estic violence being an issue they will have to face, the reality is that domestic violence is an issue plaguing the nation, affecting the lives of individuals of

all ages.

In order to raise awareness about the seriousness of this issue, the College Democrats in combination with Peer Education at Creighton (PEAC) decided to co-host an event educating Creighton students about the signs, causes, and how to stop domestic violence.

Domestic violence counselor, Sue Michalski, was invited by Creighton College Democrats to speak at this event because of her years of experience in working with domestic violence issues with various Omaha and Nebraska based groups.

Arts & Sciences sophomore and Creighton College Democrats President Joseph Burgess hopes student attendees left this event with a great deal of “information on the reality of domestic violence and how they can identify and react to domestic violence in their own lives.”

“Intimate partner violence can occur regardless of size, gender, or class,” Burgess said. “Intimate partner violence occurs everywhere, even on Creighton’s campus, and it can happen to you or to someone

you love.”

Although students may not realize the value of attending educational events such as this, Burgess feels it is important for students to understand just how much they can gain simply by attending such events or by becoming involved in the organizations that host them.

“It’s important to attend events like these and to get involved with groups like the Creighton College Democrats or PEAC in order to learn about issues relevant to Creighton, Omaha and the outside world,” Burgess said. “Being involved gives you an opportunity to change policies and affect people’s lives for the better.”

Arts & Sciences sophomore and vice president of PEAC campus outreach Elizabeth Hall decided to work in combination with the Creighton College Democrats on hosting this event because she felt the information being shared at this event was in line with PEAC’s values and wanted to spread

the message.

“As the VP of campus outreach for PEAC, it is my job to communicate with other groups that hold the same values as ourselves and plan or co-host events with them so we can help to support organizations on campus while sending a good message and informing Creighton students,” Hall said.

Although PEAC mainly helped to promote this event on campus, the organization still played a major role in reinforcing the message against domestic violence delivered at this event by informing students of the services offered by the Creighton Violence Intervention and Prevention Center (VIP). They helped make students experiencing domestic violence more aware of their options

on campus.

“Domestic violence is very real and it’s a big issue,” Hall said. “Now students have the tools they need to help themselves and people they know to avoid or even get out of a situation like this.”

Hall feels it is important for students to attend events such as this because “knowledge is the key” to leading a truly

fulfilling life.

“If you know and understand a situation and have the resources, you have so much power that someone cannot take away from you,” Hall said. “Students need to be more aware and understand that as we get older these big issues become very relative and they become very real to us. Being educated gives you the resources and ability to make

a difference.”