Twenty-five percent of women have been or will be sexually assaulted by a boyfriend or spouse. Look around you; one of your four female friends will be assaulted. This statistic is dangerously revealing about how people engage in relationships.
Stop Intimate Violence Week was a way for the women and men of Creighton to become informed about not only physical abuse but emotional and psychological abuse as well.
Jenna Kranzberg, a Deglman resident director who is active at the Lieben Center at Creighton, thinks it is vital for young women to realize that their own strength and control are necessary for them to live happy, healthy lives with others.
“I have become passionate about teaching women to be assertive and have healthy control in their relationships,” Kranzberg said.
It is key to realize that abusive relationships are all too prevalent in today’s society, and women should prepare for any situation.
Kranzberg encourages young women to be alert and informed about signs of abuse.
“Often women blame themselves, and they ostracize friends and family who try to help them,” Kranzberg said. “It is important to remember to be aware of these things, and I try to continue to remind people that issues are never one person’s fault.”
Men play a dynamic role in relationships, and a healthy balance of control between the two members is key. Intimate violence week informs students of these key facts.
On Tuesday, a table was set up where students write vows on their own handprints of how they will help curb intimate violence. “These Hands are Not for Hitting” helped to personalize the issue, and placed responsibility in the student’s hands.
Later in the week, Mark Dawson, a national advocate for the end of intimate violence, spoke in the Harper Center auditorium.
Self-defense classes were held on Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Skutt Center as well.
Many other activities also advocate the importance of stopping intimate violence.
Bridget Dougherty, Business junior, is passionate about the week’s events.
“I think it is so important for women to understand that certain things are not acceptable in relationships,” Dougherty said.
“This week is really key in helping to tell women of Creighton that they do deserve respect and control of their life.”
Along with the events, there were cards handed out during the week that showed different things that could indicate an unhealthy relationship.
When women check off things that apply to them, they have taken the first steps to getting help.
After realizing the nature of the relationship, students have numerous places on campus to go for help. The Lieben Center, Campus Ministry and Residence Life are all open to students who want to talk.
Kranzberg said that students can talk to any faculty about issues they may be having.