Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the US. The Alpha Chi Omega sorority will be hosting The Luminary Project on Saturday, Oct. 7 at dusk in the Vaughn Courtyard. According to the Alpha Chi Omega foundation video, the Luminary Project is a way for the sorority to “illuminate the path to awareness and education about domestic violence.” Annually, the 133 collegiate chapters host the event on campuses nationwide during the first weekend in October to begin Domestic Violence Awareness month.
“It’s an amazing event to be a part of, knowing that you have sisters all over the country supporting the national philanthropy,” said Jaclyn Wasiluk, President of the Gamma Pi chapter at the University of Tampa. “This is the second year for the event on UT’s campus and “we’re hoping more students will stop by and see what we have going on,” Wasiluk said.
Beginning around 4 p.m., members of the sorority will be in Vaughn courtyard selling baked goods, collecting donations for local shelters and setting up for the main event. As the sun begins to set, the luminaries will be arranged so that all students passing will be a witness to the memory of victims worldwide. During this time, the sisters of Alpha Chi Omega will distribute purple ribbons, a symbol of remembrance, and fact sheets to educate students concerning the details of domestic violence. As the foundation’s video says, “Domestic violence does not discriminate. It happens in every type of relationship. It happens to people of every race and economic background. It happens to teens and adults. It happens every minute of every day.”
“We want students to know that domestic violence can happen to everyone,” said senior Stephanie Danforth.
It is important for students, especially young women, to be aware. According to statistics presented by the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation, young women ages 16 to 24 experience the highest rate of domestic violence.