by Ella Smith, Student Public Relations Writer
Domestic abuse is estimated to affect 10 million people in the United States annually, meaning virtually every healthcare professional will treat or evaluate an abuse victim. This statistic highlights the importance of shining light on abuse as Domestic Violence Awareness Month approaches in October.
On Thursday, Sept. 19, Cedarville University will host a panel discussion on “Domestic Abuse: Our Responsibilities as Christians in the Workplace,” from 7–8:30 p.m. in the Center for Biblical and Theological Studies room 104. The free event is open to the public.
Members of the panel have professional or personal experience in dealing with domestic abuse. The panelists include Dr. Marcia Williams, associate dean and director of nursing graduate programs and assistant professor of nursing; Dr. Ronni Kurtz, assistant professor of theology; Melissa Brown, associate professor of social work; Daniel Brooks, a school-based mental health counselor at Upper Valley Career Center in Piqua, Ohio, and an unnamed survivor of domestic violence.
The discussion will be moderated by Charlotte , a senior majoring in nursing at Cedarville University and member of the nursing honors society, whose last name is being withheld to protect her sister, a domestic abuse survivor. Charlotte hopes to impress upon attendees the importance of awareness in recognizing the signs of abuse and how to be intentional in protecting those around you.
“Nobody tells you what to do, so often you feel helpless. I want to educate people on what they can and should do when they are in or are aware of abusive situations,” said Charlotte. She hopes the panel will equip those who attend with the confidence to ask questions and find ways to support friends, loved ones, patients or clients who might be experiencing domestic abuse.
“It’s important to hear multiple perspectives concerning domestic abuse to properly empathize with victims. We learn from one another so we can best help someone experiencing domestic violence,” said Brown, who currently serves as a social worker helping families and children who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence.
“If we can give people the tools to take personal responsibility in helping even one person get out of an abusive situation, then the panel has accomplished its purpose,” said Charlotte. “Victims are often ostracized because people are scared and they don’t know what to say. As a Christian who is called to love all people without judgement, I want to remove the fear that keeps victims from receiving help. I want people to have the personal conviction to see something and say something. I want them to understand there are practical things they can do.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is a Baptist university with undergraduate programs in arts, sciences, and professional programs, and graduate programs. With an enrollment of 6,384 students in 175 areas of study, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio and is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, such as their history degree, and high graduation and retention rates. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.