Niagara University to host 'Living in Light' to promotes awareness of domestic violence

Niagara University Press Release

Artwork reflecting the journeys, experiences, hopes and dreams of the survivors of domestic violence who created them will be on display during “Living in Light: The Art of Healing,” from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, at the Castellani Art Museum on the Niagara University campus. A brief program will begin at 5 p.m.

Now in its ninth year, “Living in Light,” presented by Niagara University’s Office of Violence Prevention & Education and its community partners, aims to raise awareness about dating violence and provide an opportunity for the community to learn more about the services and resources available.

The event is being held in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and in connection with the Red Flag Campaign, a national public awareness initiative designed to encourage college students to intervene when they see a warning sign (“red flag”) of partner violence.

“Dating and domestic violence affects our community, but together, we have the power to change that,” said Emily Pike, director of the Office of Violence Prevention and Education. “At Niagara, we're building a culture where everyone plays a role in creating safer relationships and supporting one another. By coming together to raise awareness and connect with local services and resources, we're taking an important step toward building the supportive, violence-free campus community we all deserve. Change starts with each of us, and it begins with awareness.”

Several community organizations are collaborating to host the event, including Niagara University, Castellani Art Museum, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office – victim services & domestic violence intervention program, Pinnacle Community Services, Child Advocacy Center of Niagara, Seven Dancers Coalition, and the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier.

The inaugural exhibit was held in 2016 and organized by Dr. Dana Radatz, associate professor of criminology and criminal justice, director of the graduate program in criminal justice administration; and Dr. Jennifer Beebe, professor of the clinical mental health counseling program. Both professors are still actively involved in its organization.

“The ‘Living in Light’ event provides a unique opportunity for campus and community members to learn more about domestic violence through the lens of survivors and victims within Niagara County,” Radatz said. “Furthermore, attendance at the event allows campus and community members to show their support and bear witness to the messages shared by survivors through their artwork.”

Beebe said, “One of the most important things we as a community can do is promote awareness and education surrounding domestic violence, as well as encourage victims to come forward and feel supported, to make sure they have a voice, and to show we care and know that help is available. This is especially important to a university campus, as individuals aged 18-24 are most at risk for domestic and dating violence victimization. We believe that, in order to reduce domestic violence, we need to increase awareness and education, and provide a voice for the often oppressed and silenced.”

There is no cost to attend the event, but donations will be accepted to support Passage House Domestic Violence Services at Pinnacle Community Services.