(Pierce provides support for those abused by intimate partners)

One out of every four women have been a victim of intimate partner violence, or formerly known as domestic violence.

For over ten years Pierce College has held a domestic violence panel for the students, faculty and staff members with the goal of bringing awareness to this growing danger.

As domestic violence spreads to the workplace, dating relationships, elementary bullying and student violence, the blanket name has been changed to “intimate partner violence” so as not to eliminate any of the above mentioned relationships, according to Mental Health Counselor Deborah Bransford, the new organizer of this educational event.

“I think that’s why they changed the name; to expand the meaning from what might have been restricted to a marriage or common-law situation. To be broader,” Bransford explained.

The general assumption when discussing domestic violence is that the abuse is occurring between a man and a woman in a physical relationship.

However, many statistics show that domestic violence is entering other areas, such as the workplace and public schools.

“Bullying and intimidation is at a grade school and junior high level, and it also develops into dating; so of course we might see it on a college campus,” Bransford said.

On May 9 the event will be held in the HEC (Health Education Center) on the Fort Steilacoom campus from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

“It’s a domestic violence impact and resource panel – that has been the traditional name. Domestic violence is still a huge problem in this culture that seems to be gaining,” Bransford said.

Although it is only an hour and a half, Bransford has high intentions to impact the people of Pierce County. There will be a keynote speaker opening the event, followed by  two carefully chosen guest speakers, which will be the main focus of the night.

“Our first speaker is Lisa Moore, who spoke at the domestic violence panel last year,” Bransford said.

“She is the sister of a man who was a victim of domestic violence. His wife killed him. So it gives the perspective that men, too, can be victims. It is a powerful presentation,” Bransford added.

Although the second guest speaker has not yet been chosen, Bransford has many ideas of whom to ask. It seems the largest option is someone of military connection.

“I do want to get a veteran focus because domestic violence is a huge problem in the military,” Bransford said. “What is growing in the military and the public at large is not just in murdering your spouse, but it is murder suicide,” Bransford added as her eyebrows drew close with worry.

According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, the best way to prevent domestic violence is to stop it before it begins. With such high statistics (listed in the box to the right), Bransford keeps the yearly Pierce College panel going in the hopes that education on the subject will lower the possibilities for it in all situations.

This event held on May 9 will also include local vendors, or corporations, that work with domestic violence instances. Organizations such as “Everybody is Safe” and “Eatonville Family Agency” have been asked to share their information on this heavy topic.

“After the short presentation with the speakers I hope to have a Q&A, and then let the students and faculty wander around and talk with the vendors,” Bransford explained.

With past attendance records being in the hundreds, the Counseling Department has high hopes for this upcoming event.

Although it is usually comprised mostly of criminal justice and psychology students due to their field interest, the domestic violence panel will be open to all members of Pierce College. It will also be open to the public of Lakewood and Pierce County, or anyone else who would like to join.

“The reason for having a panel today is for awareness and education, and very subtly letting people know that there are resources,” Bransford said sternly.

Written by 

Sydney Conrad/Staff Writer

Photos by

Daniel Conrad/Photo Illustration

[mappress mapid=”3″](Pierce provides support for those abused by intimate partners)