October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and now, more than ever, it is vital to talk about healthy and unhealthy relationships. The following events and activities will be held in the coming weeks to raise awareness for domestic violence:

Oct. 24–26: Violence Intervention Partner (VIP) to host a table in Olmsted. Stop by to learn more about their services and healthy versus unhealthy relationships. Follow the VIP page and get a cupcake.

Nov. 7: Speak Out and Poetry Slam at Mars Café at 7 p.m. hosted by SAGE

Nov. 9: “Help I’m Bad At Dating: A Discussion Of Pop Culture, Healthy and Unhealthy Dating Practices” at Shivers Courtside Club at 7 p.m. hosted by VIP.

Nov. 12: Bulldogs Against Abuse Conference hosted by IFC and PanHel. Time and location to be announced.

Also, look for purple ribbons displayed around trees near Helmick Commons.

If you or a friend experience emotional, physical, or financial abuse in a relationship, help is available. Violence Intervention Partner is a 24/7 confidential helpline to listen and safety plan. Text/call 515-512-2972. The Drake Title IX office and Public Safety are also available to help. Contact Katie, Title IX coordinator, at 515-271-2982 or email: kathryn.overberg@drake.edu or titleix@drake.edu. Contact Drake Public Safety at 515-271-2222.

—Tess Cody, Violence Prevention Coordinator