1 in 4 Women will be Sexually Assaulted at Some Point During Her Life

Domestic violence affects many relationships, however, approximately nine out of 10 sexual assaults go unreported to law enforcement. Unfortunately for some, their stories will end tragically.

Dr. Amy Davis Falvo, who received her doctoral degree from University of Memphis, currently holds two positions on Auburn’s campus – senior staff clinician at the Student Counseling Services and referral coordinator at Safe Harbor.

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“The purpose of Safe Harbor is to provide education, prevention, outreach and referral services to students who have been victims of sexual, dating or domestic assault, stalking or any other form of violence,” said Falvo.

Safe Harbor is a protected place and program for survivors of traumatic relationships. Currently, there are eight main referral coordinators who work directly with those personally dealing with abuse, and many times communicate with parents and friends of those who are in violent relationships.

The program caters to students, but occasionally will make referrals for people in the community as well. Throughout a full academic year, Safe Harbor usually has between 15 and 20 victims of domestic violence use their services, but receives many more phone calls of expressed concern.

“We see more women for the most part,” Falvo said. “But, we do have men use our services as well.”

Signs of domestic violence include power and control, anger and aggression, physical abuse, emotional abuse such as belittling, isolation from friends and taking away possessions.

The tough thing about abusive relationships Falvo shared is that “getting out is often not the easiest option.”

Many women struggle with the fear of retaliation and children can play a factor in trying to keep the relationship together. Sadly, in many cases, abusive men will begin hurting their children as a way to get revenge after a divorce or separation.

If you are dealing with any of the above descriptions or have a friend who is, the best thing to do is call Safe Harbor at 334-844-7233. They are a supportive team, who is here to help. If you are a friend, they will help you with the steps to when approaching a loved one.

“The best advice for family and friends is to be supportive and realize that it’s not the victims fault, even though at times it seems as though they made bad decisions,” Falvo said. “Try to encourage them to go speak to a counselor with you, so they’re not alone.”

Annually, the sisters of Alpha Chi Omega and the brothers of Pi Kappa Alpha host a dodgeball tournament to raise awareness as well as funds that go directly to Safe Harbor. During the Dodge Domestic Violence Dodgeball Tournament this past March, the two Panhellenic chapters raised more than $3,000.

So, how can Auburn help? Awareness. Below you can see there are several annual events students can go to and help raise awareness in April:

• April 19 & 20 - The Red Flag Campaign will be on Cater Lawn from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• April 20 - Human Trafficking: It’s Closer Than You Think in Spidle Hall room 144, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• April 21 & 22 - The Clotheslines Project will be on Cater Lawn from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• April 22 – Take Back the Night March and Rally, the march begins at 6 p.m. and the rally begins at 7 p.m. on Cater Lawn.

For more information go to Safe Habor’s website at www.auburn.edu/safeharbor or visit the Student Counseling Services on the second floor of the Auburn Medical Clinic.