October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Throughout the month, there are numerous activities island-wide that focus on bringing awareness and resources to our communities.
Domestic Violence is defined as physical, sexual, emotional, financial or psychological abuse. It also covers threats of abuse against another person who is a family or household member (current or former spouse/intimate partner).
Title IX provides protections to all students and employees throughout the University of Hawai‘i system under Executive Policy 1.204, which covers many forms of violence and discrimination, including domestic violence. This policy ensures that all members of the WCC community and its guests are free from all forms of sex/gender harassment, discrimination and misconduct.
It assures that there are options for reporting available, prompt and effective responses to all complaints, along with resources to support individuals.
On campus, we have an assigned advocate for incidents involving intimate partners. Chelsey Stewart from The Domestic Violence Action Center is located in Kako`o 110 and can be reached by phone at 294-5483. Chelsey provides a free, confidential space where you can access information and supports. She is available Mondays and Tuesdays to assist with a variety of services such as TRO (temporary restraining order) information, connection to legal supports, court process and safety planning. Should you want to file a formal report, you may contact your new Title IX coordinator, Karla Silva-Park at 235-7468. While confidentiality is not guaranteed when filing a formal report, confidentiality is held as much as possible.
For more information, please see the campus Title IX Resource Guide at http://uhcc.hawaii.edu/titleIX/docs/TitleIXBrochure.pdf.
For a list of community events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, please go to https://www.hscadv.org/dvam.
For further resources andsupport, students can contact:
- Title IX coordinator Carla Silva-Park, 235-7468
- Deputy Title IX coordinator for employees Karen Cho, 235-7404
- DVAC Helpline, 531-3771
- Ala Kuola (TRO Assistance), 545-1880
- Domestic Violence Shelter Hotline, 526-2200
- National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-7233
by Karla Silva-Park and Jordan Lewton
