Recently, the BMCC community gathered in the school’s main lobby to rally against domestic violence—also known as partner abuse—and then walk silently through the building, carrying signs and banners that draw attention to the issue.
Use your words
Small children from the BMCC Early Childhood Center led the walk, carrying signs they’d made themselves: Use Your Words. Words Hurt, Too. And, Don’t Hit.
“We had a discussion this morning, and we explained that rather than hitting someone, you should use your words,” explained Lead Teacher Glenda Torres.
“We also provided the children with certain phrases they can use, like ‘I’m feeling frustrated.’ ‘I’m feeling angry.’ ‘I’m feeling sad.’ Or, we tell them, you can ask for space, when you’re feeling overwhelmed.”
Your silence will not protect you
The New York State Legislature designated a day in October as part of the Walk With Me program, raising awareness of domestic violence, the largest cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States.
“BMCC has zero tolerance for domestic violence,” said Deborah Parker, Director of the Women’s Resource Center. “We stand shoulder to shoulder in educating and providing support to others around this issue.”
The event, co-sponsored by the Student Government Association and the Audre Lorde Women’s Collective and Sisterhood Society, attracted over 150 participants.
“Your silence will not protect you,” Parker told the group, paraphrasing the late, highly acclaimed American poet Audre Lorde, who spoke out on the issue.
BMCC and Verizon unite against domestic violence
“If we ask people to raise their hands,” said BMCC President Antonio Pérez, addressing the gathering, “they would almost all know someone close to them who has experienced domestic violence.”
“We will not allow this to continue,” said Pérez. “We will not allow this to happen within this institution, and we will work with you to ensure that no one is subjected to any type of violence.”
Perez also announced a partnership between BMCC and Verizon Wireless, to raise money to combat domestic violence. BMCC will be a cell phone recycling point, accepting wireless devices for refurbishment and recycling.
The cell phones can be dropped into one of the large, black, designated receptacles placed throughout BMCC’s main building.
Someone’s mother, someone’s sister
BMCC student Erica Shaw, a business major and survivor of domestic violence, shared her experience with the group.
“I tried to defend myself,” she said, but was thrown from a second-story window and beaten, surviving with 32 stitches, a broken nose, twisted ankle, and other injuries.
“You can help a friend, a family member,” said Shaw. “This is a disease that is spreading, if we don’t put a stop to it.”
BMCC student Jonathan Matthews, one of the many young men in attendance, reflected on the issue. “People who do it, who commit domestic violence—I would like to say to them, would you want someone to do that to your mother or sister?”
Deborah Parker reminded participants that the Women’s Resource Center, room S-360 at BMCC’s main campus is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, and there are counselors on staff ready to assist any member of the BMCC community seeking support around this issue.
“If you know someone who is a victim of domestic violence, send them to us,” Parker said. “We’re here and we want to help you.”
