“The Door” and Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence:

• 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience some form of intimate partner physical violence in their lifetime.
• The prevalence of domestic violence transcends race, socio-economic status, gender, and religion.
• Domestic violence is most common among women between the ages of 18-24.

To help raise awareness, Hope College Library is proud to display “The Door,” an interactive art piece by artist and domestic violence survivor and counselor Stacy Dubay.  Ms. Dubay’s artist statement says “Statements on the door illustrate experiences I have heard in my work and the suitcases reflect my individual struggles as a survivor. The exhibit is meant to be touched and accessible to the viewing public. Viewers are encouraged to ‘take the journey’ and walk through the door, open the suitcases and look at the contents. Survivors are invited to sign the back of the door.”

 

Near “The Door” is a display with resources on how to get help as well as some Library materials about domestic violence and its effects.

Please note:

This exhibition includes images and language that may be upsetting or offensive to some audiences. If you choose to view the exhibition, please understand that it intends to promote awareness and provoke discussion about important issues among Hope College students, faculty and staff. The content of this exhibition may not be appropriate for everyone: parents or guardians of school-age children should preview the exhibition before allowing the children to visit the exhibition.

Hope College Library would like to thank their partners in bringing “The Door” to campus:

Counseling and Psychological Services

Health Center

Communications Department

Nursing Department

Center for Diversity and Inclusion

Student Development

Women’s and Gender Studies Program

Psychology Department

STEP

GROW

GRACES

Center for Women and Transition