Monday, Oct. 25, 2021 Vol. 66, Issue II
STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY
Domestic violence awareness on display at AU By Rakiyah Lenon Co-editor in chief
Volunteers from SafeHomes of Augusta, Title IX and AU Police spent the lunch hour on Oct. 12 at the Jaguar Student Activities Center patio informing the campus community of resources available in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Since the start of October, purple ribbons and signs symbolizing the month have been tied and placed in many areas of the Summerville Campus. Purple t-shirts have also been worn by many reading “love shouldn’t hurt,” a phrase corresponding with the theme of domestic violence awareness. The Crew, which holds events for students on both the Summerville and Health Sciences campus, partnered with the organizations and used their Takeover Tuesday event to allow them to promote awareness about domestic violence. Takeover Tuesdays typically provide time for students to break and socialize between classes.
Signs have been posted throughout Summerville from SafeHomes of Augusta. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)
Chelsea Paulding, Miss Augusta University 2022, is focusing on the issue of domestic violence as part of her campaign this year. She along with others hosted the table for SafeHomes of Augusta, a place where victims of domestic violence can seek refuge from abuse. “It’s actually my social impact initiative so that’s why I’m out here volunteering today,” she said. According to Pauld-
ing, SafeHomes provides resources for victims to navigate through the struggles of domestic violence including counseling and housing. Julia, Kneuker, director of Title IX for Augusta University, explained that as required by law, they serve to assist in ensuring that students and faculty are protected from harassment and threatening situations on campus.
Speaking of the Title IX amendment, Kneuker said, “It’s in place to give students and employees… equal access to a school or work environment free from sexual harassment… and domestic violence. We often have to change schedules, put do not contact orders in place to protect that access,” she said. Kneuker explained that their department often receives calls about domes-
tic violence situations and refers victims to resources including SafeHomes, counseling services and AU Police. They also decide whether there are conduct violations. At the event, AU Police passed out flyers containing information about campus safety, self-defense training for women and a mobile app for students to download. Captain Sam Sherrill demonstrated how students can access the RAVE Guardian app on their smartphones by searching ‘RAVE Guardian’ in the App Store and Google play store and using their ‘augusta.edu’ email address. “It’s a personal panic button. It alerts dispatch to know exactly where you’re at,” he said. Sherrill said that students could visit www.augusta.edu/police for more information about offered services. Focus on domestic violence awareness is expected to continue for the remainder of the month.
Suicide prevention includes attention and a plan By Janell Williams Staff writer
The American College Health Association reports that the suicide rate among young adults has tripled since the 1950s. Suicide is currently the second highest cause of death among college students, according to their research. Between 2015 and 2019 Richmond County had 691 emergency room visits for suicide attempts and 134 suicide deaths, according to an article from the Medical College of Georgia. Many people are not aware of the impact suicidal thoughts or ac-
tions can have on both the person experiencing them as well as their loved ones. This affects more people than most may think. “It’s a scary thought,” said one sophomore at Augusta University. “Most people, myself included, will not step forward to admit that they have had suicidal thoughts. Since I started speaking with someone, I have found myself using the steps to cope when I am feeling triggered.” Many resources are available for aiding anyone having suicidal thoughts. One of the preventative measures used by some
of the counselors at AU include a six-step Student Safety Plan. 1. Have the student list emotions or environments that may trigger warning signs of suicidal episodes. 2. Help the student devlop coping strategies that can be used to counter those thoughts or feelings. 3. Have the student identify people and social settings that can provide distraction. 4. Have the student come up with personal contacts that can be asked for help. 5. Provide a list of professional contacts for anyone in a crisis. 6. Explain ways that the
student can make an environment safe. This plan is designed for an individual to recognize when they may be on the verge of an episode and begin to take the necessary steps to prevent a crisis. “We saw a spike in the number of students reacing out for services and these techniques really help them cope,” said licensed psychologist and director of SCAPS, Elena Petrova. Other coping mechanisms to counter suicidal thoughts could include daily affirmations, mobile applications that promote self-care,
involvement in support groups, self-care books and more. One of the first steps to overcoming suicidal thoughts is to ask for help.“If you are not sure if counseling is something you’d like to pursue, have the conversation and see how it feels. If you do this and you are still not ready, that is okay. Go at your own pace,” said Petrova. Augusta University has counselors available for virtual and in-person sessions which are free to students and faculty. See Page 6 for other campus resources and assistance.