UK group for survivors of abuse steps up during domestic violence awareness month

LEXINGTON, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and advocates are once again stepping up to welcome everyone on the mission.

The University of Kentucky Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Center is a resource for anyone needing a helping hand. Lenzi Dodgen is the acting director, survivor advocate, and prevention educator, meaning her goal is to make sure people in need feel safe using VIP’s resources.

“I don’t think it’s easy to ask for help. It’s not easy for someone to let their feet carry them to this office physically. When that happens, we really like to honor that here at VIP. We always like to make sure that survivors also leave us with the feeling of ‘I was believed, supported, and cared about,’ Dodgen said.

For this reason, VIP along with other organizations are hard at work during October to hold events that will bring awareness to domestic violence, and how survivors can be helped. Dodgen says a big step in making that happen is creating an inclusive environment.

“Survivors are a very diverse group of people. and so, because survivors themselves are also diverse, it would make sense that the community – who loves them and supports them – would also be diverse. I really welcome the inclusivity, and I really think that it’s important for our community to send the message that we support and love our survivors,” Dodgen said.

One of the big events happened Wednesday evening. “Mocktoberfest” included free mocktails, info on alcohol safety, and info on how to be an active bystander. Layne Cupp is with the UK Counseling Center, one of the organizations at Mocktoberfest.

“We both deal with mental health and mental health services, so by doing activities like this where we’re able to partner together and host events that really draw in students to learn more about our resources,” Cupp said.

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Mocktoberfest is just one of many events highlighting the mission, with another big one being the clothesline project display.

“Every year, every October, we display our clothesline project here on campus. This year, we’re going to hang our clothesline project on October 21st, 22nd, and 23rd in the Gatton, Student Center at the social Staircase. The shirts that will be included are handmade by our survivors right here on campus and people who love our survivors,” Dodgen said.

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