Domestic Violence Awareness
ALPHA CHI OMEGA’S HISTORY IS ROOTED IN GENEROSITY, COMPASSION AND COMMITMENT TO OUR SISTERS AND THE GREATER GOOD
In support of our national altruism, Alpha Chi Omega members are dedicated to raising awareness and educating others about domestic violence.
The 1992 Alpha Chi Omega National Convention marked the adoption of domestic violence awareness, an issue that affects people – and primarily women – all over the world, as our national philanthropy. Together, we work to fight against unhealthy relationships and build healthy relationships. Members serve individuals and families impacted by domestic violence through fundraising and sharing gifts of time and talent with shelters and other service-providing organizations. Alpha Chi Omega also works to empower its own members, giving them tools to build their own healthy relationships, and to raise awareness of domestic violence by educating others on its impact and work being done to end it.
As champions of change, our leadership around this issue is creating lasting impact in our local communities and the world. You can learn more about Alpha Chi Omega’s commitment to ending domestic violence by exploring the following resources, programs and partnerships available to our members:
ANNUAL AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH (DVAM)
DVAM is recognized nationally during the month of October. To fight against unhealthy relationships and build healthy relationships, Alpha Chi Omega headquarters provides a number of opportunities for members to highlight their service to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, to educate themselves and others about healthy relationships, and to raise awareness of the cause.
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WEEK (HRW)
The goal of Healthy Relationships Week is to foster the development of healthy relationships and, in turn, prevent domestic violence and sexual assault. The week traditionally focuses on encouraging individuals to define what love means to them through the Love Is… campaign. The week's programming is open to all and includes social media posts and an educational program or resources. Healthy Relationships Week is celebrated in the month of February around Valentine’s Day.
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH (SAAM)
April is national Sexual Assault Awareness Month. To recognize this month, Alpha Chi Omega provides opportunities and digital resources for education and awareness initiatives focused on sexual assault prevention in partnership with RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). During this month, members also support the victims and survivors of sexual assault by wearing denim, creating a jean display or hosting an event on campus with educational information to promote awareness.
PARTNERSHIPS
THE ONE LOVE FOUNDATION
The One Love Foundation and Alpha Chi Omega have joined to help bring an end to relationship violence by educating, empowering and activating students in a movement for change on their campuses. The One Love Foundation provides educational information and tools for Alpha Chi Omega chapters across the country. Alpha Chi Omega uses these materials to promote healthy relationships within our chapters.
RAINN (RAPE, ABUSE & INCEST NATIONAL NETWORK)
Alpha Chi Omega partners with RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, to amplify and support RAINN’s work. RAINN equips Alpha Chi Omega with resources and materials to raise awareness of sexual violence. Work with RAINN primarily focuses on Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, and as part of our partnership, Alpha Chi Omega is working with RAINN to create educational webinars for alumnae members.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
LET’S TALK LOVE
Let's Talk Love is a program designed to educate members on dating violence, sexual assault and healthy relationships. This program is provided to each chapter once every four years and is facilitated by an Alpha Chi Omega volunteer.
PROGRAMS WITH PURPOSE
Programs with Purpose are ready-made programs (including facilitation guides and handouts) available for chapters to present to their members. They are built on learning objectives that help facilitate personal and chapter growth. Programs with Purpose not only focus on our values of wisdom, devotion and achievement, but also help women develop into strong Alpha Chi Omega members. Several of these programs have been developed to educate members on our national philanthropy. Programs related to domestic violence, sexual assault and healthy relationships include Talking About Domestic Violence Awareness, Evaluating Relationships 101, Healthy Dating Relationships, Let’s Get Clear on Consent, The Dynamics of Sexual Assault, Challenging Bystander Behavior, Decoding Digital Abuse, Communication is Key, and Domestic Violence and Oppression.
RESOURCES
SUPPORT A SISTER DOCUMENT
Alpha Chi Omega has created a resource with talking points for our members to help them feel prepared to respond to a sister or friend who chooses to disclose a sexual assault to them. This one-page resource sheet entitled “Respond and Support a Survivor” provides phrases and language that can be used when someone discloses an assault. There is also a space to provide local resources.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS RESOURCE GUIDE
The DVA Resource Guide provides information, direction and educational programming to assist chapters in making domestic violence awareness an integral part of chapter life. The guide focuses on resources to learn, plan and act.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the education and leadership initiatives team.
NATIONAL SERVICE PROVIDERS AND HELPLINES
This resource contains contact information for national organizations and helplines for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and other forms of abuse. There is also information on how to locate local resources in your state/city.
You never deserve to be mistreated.
If you have questions about domestic violence or unhealthy relationships, we encourage you to text “LOVEIS” to 22522 at any time to connect with confidential advocates from loveisrespect.org. Call/online chat with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at https://www.thehotline.org or 800-799-SAFE (7233).