Western Connecticut State University will hold “Operation Jungle Red” (OJR) events throughout October in promotion of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is the third year the university is hosting OJR and the program will consist of four lectures on several topics relating to violence. Events will take place at the Student Center on the university’s Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury, and on the first floor of the Campus Center on the Westside campus, 43 Lake Ave. Extension in Danbury. All discussions will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. If weather permits, the Midtown campus events will be held outside the Student Center on the patio area.
In addition to the discussions, each event will include the opportunity to sign a pledge against violence and have a pinky nail painted red, receive a card with the pledge and a free t-shirt or wristband.
Upcoming events will include:
Tuesday, Oct. 1: “Stereotypes & Myths” – In the Midtown Student Center courtyard, attendees will participate in writing on a large banner titled “What have you been called?” prompting a discussion about myths and stereotypes related to gender, race and the realities of abusive relationships.
Monday, Oct. 7: “Fighting Words” – In the Westside Campus Center, using the banner from Oct. 1, there will be a discussion about reactions to hostile language, the impact of these words, and how to respond or intervene within those circumstances with guest speaker State Victim’s Advocate Garvin Ambrose.
Thursday, Oct. 17: “Intimate Partner Violence” – In the Midtown Student Center courtyard, there will be a display and discussion about intimate partner violence, victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and rape.
Wednesday, Oct. 23: “Campus Violence” – In the Midtown Student Center courtyard, the activities will conclude at 12:30 p.m. and the event will be moved into the Student Center Theater at which time guest speakers Executive Director of CCADV Karen Jarmoc and Attorney General George Jepsen will discuss campus violence.
“Each events’ activities are interactive and meant to prompt reflection along with buildingawareness,” said Shaun McDonough, who co-chairs the OJR Committee with Women’s Center of Greater Danbury Campus Advocate Monica Seivel. “The committee is tremendously appreciative of the support and encouragement of the campus community in our efforts to promote a better campus and larger community.”
For more information, call the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.
