In honor of domestic violence awareness month in October, Adelante Juntos (translation: “Forward Together”) held their second annual “The Color of Bruises” on Friday, Oct. 25.
Sophomore Jonathan Bermudez coordinated the event to spread awareness and make participants “feel proud of themselves and realize how strong they are.”
The panel hosted several speakers, including Dr. Diane Morse from the Medical Center (URMC); Associate Director of Pathway Programs Dr. Ana Gomez Parga; and Lisa Nolan of the Willow Domestic Violence Center of Greater Rochester, an organization aimed at supplying emergency short-term housing and support to those fleeing domestic violence.
The panelists spoke on the effects of domestic violence and on how to support victims. They also promoted resources for anyone interested in becoming involved.
Bermudez explained that the point of the event was not to dishearten the audience and result in despair and heavy hearts, but instead to empower individuals, showcase the strength and resilience of domestic violence survivors, and fight the stigma surrounding domestic violence and intimate partner violence.
One of the keynote speakers, Ariana Montaluo, a survivor herself, shared her story with the audience. She discussed how her partner, whom she had met at 15, abused her and threatened her life.
Throughout the presentation, Montaluo checked in with the audience to ensure the attendees were comfortable and not triggered by any distressing content.
She explained that domestic violence victims often feel isolated and completely alone, but added that “there are people who love you and will support you the minute you need help.”
Montaluo, a recent graduate of Nazareth University, is now a research assistant at URMC. She hopes to continue on to medical school to become an OB-GYN to support other domestic abuse survivors.
The panelists went on to emphasize that domestic violence can happen to anyone, no matter the gender, sexuality, education level, or socioeconomic status.
Director of Prevention Education at the Willow Center Lisa Nolan discussed the cycle of domestic violence and urged youth to be conscious of the normalization of abusive relationships in movies, books, television ads, and music.
Nolan asked attendees to raise their hands if they had a loved one who was younger than them. Across the room, hands shot up.
“Go home and talk to them about love,” Nolan said. “Talk to them about healthy relationships. The cycle [of domestic violence] breaks with young people.”
If you or anyone you know is in an unsafe situation, there are resources available. The Willow Center hotline is open 24/7 and can be reached at (585) 222-SAFE (7233). You can also visit WillowCenterNY.org. Other resources include the University Counseling Center: (585) 275-3113, RESTORE Sexual Assault Services: (585) 546-2777, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
