To promote awareness for sexual and domestic violence, Hofstra students walked the perimeters of South Campus at the kickoff event for Ally Week – Walk a Mile in Their Shoes – on Monday. The event began at Hofstra Hall and students all wore a purple bracelet to symbolize taking a stand against sexual and domestic violence.
Ally week is a seven-day series of events for students, faculty staff, alumni and community partners to engage in conversation, and commit to take action against bullying and harassment in order to become better allies to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer community.
"It's an opportunity for people to come together in a way that is not intimidating. I think sometimes when we talk about things as heavy as sexual assault, sexual and domestic violence, it can make people shy away from it a little bit. This really creates an opportunity to come talk about it," said Sara Diem, Assistant Director of Student Leadership and Engagement.
Sexual assault, domestic violence and interpersonal violence do widespread harm to all communities impacted by these wrongs. Chad Freeman, Assistant Director of Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion, claimed that these crimes are most prominent in the LGBTQ community.
"According to September 2015 report on sexual assault and sexual misconduct published by the Association of American Universities, rape, sexual misconduct and intimate partner violence are highest among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender queer and questioning students," Freeman said.
Sexual and domestic violence is prevalent, but it often goes unnoticed or unreported. The walk was designed to promote awareness for what goes unheard and to spark a conversation about sexual and domestic violence in the Hofstra community.
"If you don't see it, it is happening and it's a great way to start the conversation," said Evan Pouch, a sophomore dance major.
The conversation of sexual violence is often avoided due to a negative societal stigma associated with the topic. During the event, students were educated on sexual and domestic violence and that they don't need to live in fear or be ashamed when it happens to them or someone else.
Claire Malkie, a senior drama major said, "A lot of times when things do happen, people are scared and don't want to be a statistic.”