The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

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Sigma Phi Omega raises awareness about domestic violence

Sigma Phi Omega hosted its fifth annual Stop Abuse in Family Environment (SAFE) activities from Monday to Wednesday hoping to raise awareness about domestic violence. The SAFE activities occur during Domestic Violence Awareness month every year.

The sorority had free giveaways and held a ribbon ceremony to encourage people to promote awareness about domestic violence.

“This event is all about promoting domestic violence prevention,”Laura Chen, Sigma Phi Omega service chair, said. “Every fifteen seconds in America, a woman is domestically abused. One in every four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.”

In an effort to empower women, the sorority brought in a martial arts instructor to teach self-defense in Hughes-Trigg on Wednesday. Participants were taught basic self-defense maneuvers that have proven to be effective against aggressors.

“It was awesome to learn moves and feel capable of defending myself,” Raessa Ebrahim, a program participant, said.

But, the goal of this SAFE event was much more broad in nature.

“We want to inform and educate the public about the effects of domestic violence,” Chen said.

In order to encourage a greater turnout, Sigma Phi Omega raffled products worth up to $150. Prizes included gift cards to Renew Beauty Spa and the Aveda Center for Private Wellness.

“We hope that the money we make from the raffle will aid the community,” Chen said.

The organization plans to collect monetary donations for the Genesis Women’s Shelter, which helps rehabilitate and protect battered women. It works in conjunction with Grace Union Presbyterian and the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas.

“People need to realize that there are real people in need,” Chen said. “They are victims of domestic violence.”

Domestic violence is often the catalyst for more violent crime. Intimate partner violence results in more than 18.5 million mental health care visits per year.

“It is an epidemic affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, nationality or educational background,” Chen said.

Many participants were genuinely moved by the event.

“I did not realize that this was such a big issue,” first year Mehdi Hami said. “It needs to be brought out into the public eye.”

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