EIU Media Relations

University Newsletter

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month at EIU

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time to raise awareness about domestic violence, support survivors, promote healthy relationships, and connect our campus community with resources. Throughout the month, Eastern Illinois University encourages students, faculty, and staff to take part in awareness efforts and help foster a campus culture rooted in respect, safety, and support.

How You Can Show Your Support All Month Long

Here are a few ways to show your support throughout October:

• Wear Purple: Purple is the official color of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and represents support for survivors. Wear purple throughout October to help raise awareness and show your support.
• Support EIU Athletics: Come out to support our Panther athletes throughout the month, as they will be wearing purple ribbons to support DVAM.
• Spread Awareness: Share awareness messages, resources, and information with your friends, colleagues, student organizations, and social media networks.
• Start Conversations: Help promote healthy relationships by talking about respect, consent, boundaries, and the importance of supporting survivors.
• Get Involved: Attend one of our events listed below and encourage others to participate in DVAM activities.

Purple Thursday – October 15: Make a special effort to wear purple! The Castle will be illuminated in purple. Take a photo in your purple and tag eiu_ivat on instagram. 

Interested in purple awareness ribbons for DVAM? Contact Sarah Jacobs sjjacobs@eiu.edu or Jessica Cobert jacobert@eiu.edu to request ribbons for your department, office, or organization.

What Is IVAT?

The Interpersonal Violence Action Team (IVAT) is a group of campus departments and community partners working to promote awareness, prevention, education, and support related to interpersonal violence, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Through campus outreach, prevention initiatives, and resource coordination, IVAT works to strengthen support for survivors and promote a safer, more informed EIU community.

Follow IVAT on Instagram @EIU_ivat for event updates, awareness information, resources, and ways to get involved throughout the month.

October Events at EIU

October 1 | PHC Walk a Mile | 5–6:30 p.m.
Join the high-heeled relay race around the Egg! This event is open to Greek Life chapters and registered student organizations (RSOs), with teams of four participants.

October 5 | Day of Unity: Chalking the Steps | 1–3 p.m.
Help kick off DVAM by participating in Chalking the Steps and showing unity and support for survivors of domestic violence.

October 6 | Sex Is Like Pizza Table | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Stop by the MLK Union Food Court for consent education and information about healthy relationships. Resource sheets will be available.

October 7 | Wellness Fair Tabling | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Visit the MLK Union Ballroom to connect with IVAT, HOPE, and PREVAIL. Learn about resources, prevention efforts, and ways to support a safer campus community.

October 8 | HERC Bystander Intervention
Join the Health Education Resource Center (HERC) to learn how to recognize concerning situations and safely support others. Stop by the Union Food Court from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. or the Effingham Room from 4:30–5:30 p.m.

October 9 | HERC Healthy Relationship Table | 5–7 p.m.
Visit the Taylor Hall Breezeway to learn more about healthy relationships, recognize warning signs, and explore available resources.

October 15 | Purple Thursday
Wear purple to show your support for survivors! The Castle will be illuminated in purple. Join the campus-wide awareness effort and help spread the message on social media.

October 21 | Self-Care Table
Stop by our self-care tabling event to learn about wellness, self-care, and resources available to the EIU community.

October 28 | Halloween-Themed Tabling | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Visit the Taylor Hall Breezeway for a Halloween-themed awareness event with opportunities to learn about healthy relationships, prevention, and campus resources

If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or sexual harassment, support and resources are available. You do not have to navigate these experiences alone.

Learn more: EIU Counseling Clinic: Reporting Relationship/Sexual Violence & Sexual Harassment