Relationships are relatively common on the campus of Florida A&M University.
Typical dating problems range from cheating to lack of communication. While some problems are dealt with, others are swept under the rug.
But what about the taboo relationship issues?
Domestic violence serves as one of those “hush, hush” issues of dating.
“Don’t think it can’t happen to you,” said Trish Hardy of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV). “One in four women has been, will be or is abused and every 15 seconds a woman is abused in this country.”
Hardy serves as an advocate against domestic violence and makes it a priority to inform men and women about the issue.
“It is important to learn the dynamics of domestic violence…it affects our whole society,” said Hardy.
Although, stereotypically, domestic violence scenarios involve women as the victim, men are sometimes affected as victims of the violent acts.
Jo’Vion Greer, 21, was an indirect target of domestic violence. “When I was young, my mother’s boyfriend used to abuse my mom and me,” said Greer.
Greer, a fourth-year business student from Saginaw, Mich., said he witnessed his mom getting beaten by her boyfriend, who later killed her.
Greer makes it a point to inform others that people are often affected by domestic violence indirectly.
“There are other victims of domestic abuse, rather than the abused…I want to tell my story,” said Greer.
Others, like Greer, decided to tell their story at “No More Tears,” a seminar sponsored by the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The seminar touched on issues relating to domestic abuse and the ways to cope with it.
“It is important to talk about this issue, which is overlooked a lot,” said Cherlise Forshee, a member of Delta Sigma Theta.
Forshee, a 20-year-old business adminstration student from Miami, said the issue of domestic abuse hits home to both college men and women.
Ariana Burgess agrees.
“It is pertinent for us to have a seminar on this issue because it needs to be addressed here on this campus,” said Burgess, a fourth-year chemistry student and member of Delta Sigma Theta.
For students that may be in an abusive relationship, there are outlets that offer help.
The FAMU Counseling and Assessment Center offers confidential counseling for students.
Also, the FAMU Police Department offers self-defense courses for female and male students.
These classes are fit to teach students how to protect themselves in submissive situations.
For more information on Domestic Violence and Prevention contact the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence at (800) 500-1119 or by the web at www.fcadv.org.
Contact Mackenzie Turberville at famuanlifestyles@hotmail.com