Elon employs multiple efforts to end gender-based violence

Learn how various departments and student organizations at Elon are working towards a campus free from gender-based violence through education, events and services. 

A variety of departments and student organizations at Elon are working towards a campus free from gender-based violence through education, events and services.

Elon’s education for new students was recently recognized in a USA Today article and Sept. 26 through Oct. 3, Elon is honoring Supporting Survivors Week. Additionally, interdepartmental collaborations have resulted in a new media resource to encourage students to access support through Safeline and the completion of an updated brochure and websites (Survivor Support & Advocacy and Title IX) for survivors of violence.

Supporting Survivors Week is dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking to educate the community about prevention, response, and support for survivors.  

The week’s events are co-sponsored by various university departments, academic courses, student organizations, and community partners, including Elon Feminists for Equality, Change, and Transformation (EFFECT), Students Promoting Awareness, Change, and Empowerment (SPACE), SafeLine, Violence Response, and the Gender & LGBTQIA Center (GLC). For full details about the events below, please see the attached flyer or PhoenixCONNECT.

At the campuswide College Coffee held Tuesday, Sept. 26, students were able to sign a banner symbolizing their commitment to supporting survivors and recognizing sexual violence. Additionally, campus and community members participated in a whiteboard campaign conveying why they believe and support survivors of violence. These whiteboard messages are part of the ongoing social media movement behind Supporting Survivors Week.

The survivor speak-out, Take Back the Night, was held in Whitley Auditorium as survivors gather to tell their stories with community members invited to show their support. The intention for the event is to create a safe and confidential space for survivors to share their stories around gender-based violence. A reception followed the event.

The film “The Hunting Ground” was shown in Schar Center’s Turner Theatre on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m. This documentary explores the epidemic of sexual violence on college campuses across the country and its impact on students. There will be a short presentation and discussion afterward.

The March Against Victim-Blaming will take place at Speaker’s Corner on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 4:30 p.m. This is a powerful opportunity for members of the campus community to come together and raise their voices against gender violence and victim blaming.

Elon provides confidential support and advocacy for individuals affected by identity-based bias, harassment, sexual violence, relationship violence or stalking through its Safeline program. Call to receive support, resources or information 24/7 at (336) 278-3333.

Recently, Elon has been nationally recognized for its successful approach in teaching skills related to sexual assault and consent. Commended for programs such as SPARKS and HealthEDU, studies show that through theatre-based programs, results and knowledge retention are much higher than traditional programs.

For more information about Title IX, violence prevention, supporting survivors, and how to get further involved, contact Assistant Director for the Gender & LGBTQIA Center Becca Bishopric Patterson (bbishopric@elon.edu), Coordinator for Violence Response Felicia Cenca (fcenca@elon.edu) or Title IX and Compliance Coordinator Carla Ugboro (cugboro@elon.edu).