Students Acknowledge Domestic Violence on campus

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is one of the most overlooked awareness initiatives; in the center of it all is Twahna P. Harris, an advocate and lending ear to women and men around the world. In her most recent project, she jumpstarted a non-profit domestic violence organization called, “The Butterfly Society.” The activist and Southern alum partnered with Southern University’s Domestic Violence Against Women Program to host its annual “Take Back the Night” march and candle light vigil on Monday afternoon. DVAWP also partnered with the HIV/AIDS Prevention Organization on campus.
In tradition, the group, which consisted of students, faculty, and staff marched from the Southern University Museum of Art at 6:30 p.m. to the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union Courtyard.
Among the group was Sharnet Nixon, a junior dietetics major from Baton Rouge who said that although she wasn’t a victim, she believes that it’s important to find someone to confide in. “My mom often tells me stories about my grandmother who was a domestic violence victim and how she had an outlet. I felt the need to come out and support those who have been in domestic violence situations because it is not something that should be taken lightly.”
After singing Kirk Franklin’s “Love,” Harris was introduced. As Harris stood in a circle of students, she began the testimonial of her experience in a domestic violence relationship while in college. As she talked about how her abuser took control of her mind, body, and soul, students began to raise their posters in support. Posters reading “stop the violence” and “real men don’t hit” shadowed the vigil as Harris spoke.
“The reason I’m here tonight is because I’m a survivor; I felt that it was the right thing to do; which was to share my story with the students here on campus.”
Domestic violence is often categorized by being physical, but as Twahna clarified, it can by physical, emotional, mental, or even financial. Of the three, “Mental abuse is the most aggressive. Physical you can heal; but mentally it’s draining and it tears you down.”
Although Harris’ story may seem more relatable to women than men, men are often abused, but reported less.
“Both men and women were encouraged to support tonight’s event,” said Mary Joseph, Coordinator for Stop the Violence Against Women at Southern. “We do this event every October for domestic violence awareness. We know that domestic violence happens on campus, but oftentimes students just don’t report the happenings. Consequently students have to go through the pain and suffering by themselves. We want them to know that we have resources on campus.”
If you or someone you know is currently involved in an abusive relationship, marriage, or friendship, visit 212 A in Higgins Hall for more information or call the Iris Domestic Violence Center at their 24-hour crisis hotline at (225) 389-3001.