October

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). During DVAM, victim advocates, allied professionals, survivors of abuse, their loved ones, and the surrounding community come together to mourn the lives lost to domestic violence, celebrate the progress that has been made to end this epidemic, and connect with others working to create change.

Where: Dance Studio: Fieldhouse 160

When: 8:15pm 

Registration Not Required

Join us for a calming, mindful yoga practice in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This class will focus on grounding, breath, and gentle movement to promote healing, resilience, and self-care. Open to all GVSU students, faculty, and staff—no prior yoga experience needed.

6 PM - LV Eberhard Center

5 PM Meet at CWGE to ride the Laker Line

INT 100/201 Approved 

The Domestic Violence Homicide Candle Vigil; Their Light Lives On. DVAN and DVAN partners will have a program to educate about DV and honor how it impacts our community. All names of those who have lost their life due to DV in Michigan this past year will be read on the blue bridge, followed by a bell ring and a moment of silence.

Eberhard center; 301 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

When: 11-1pm

Where: Kirkhof Lobby

Join the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX!!

Stop by our table to build your own flower bouquet and learn about the key ingredients of a healthy relationship. Each flower color represents values like respect, trust, communication, and support. Take home a bouquet that reminds you what it takes to help relationships grow and thrive.

When: 4-5pm

Where: Kirkhof 2270

Come join the Center for Health and Well-Being and Grand Rapids Free Emergency Contraceptives in Banner Painting! Leave your handprint on the banner in support of victims and survivors of domestic violence! 

When: 7pm

Where: Celebration Cinema Studio Park Theater 123 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503

Cost: $15

Purchase Tickets Here

Documentary This is Where I Learned Not to Sleep followed by discussion with a panel including Rachel VerWys the CEO of Safe Haven and Chief Winstrom of the GRPD.

When: 9am-12pm

Where: SafeHaven Ministries 2627 Birchcrest Dr SE Grand Rapids MI 49506

Registration Required

FREE to GVSU Students

Approximately every 3 months, Safe Haven facilitates its Domestic Violence and Anti-Trafficking Seminar – a foundational training that is open to the public. This training is well-suited for community members that might occasionally work with victims/survivors of domestic violence and/or human trafficking, or for anyone interested in learning more about Safe Haven’s work in the community. 

During this 3-hour seminar, participants will explore an array of topics including: 

• Overview of Safe Haven’s programs, eligibility and referral process
• Definitions of domestic violence and human trafficking
• The intersection of domestic violence and human trafficking
• Risk factors and indicators of relationship abuse and human trafficking
• Characteristics of abusers and traffickers
• A brief overview of human trafficking typologies
• Basics of the neurobiology of trauma
• Strategies and steps for providing support to adolescent and adult victims/survivors

Safe Haven’s seminars use an array of teaching methods and incorporate opportunities for participants to reflect and apply the content they are learning through discussion and activities.

When: 8:15pm

Where: Where: Dance Studio: Fieldhouse 160

Register here! 

Join us for a calming, mindful yoga practice in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This class will focus on grounding, breath, and gentle movement to promote healing, resilience, and self-care. Open to all GVSU students, faculty, and staff—no prior yoga experience needed.

When: 11am-1pm

Where: Kirkhof Lobby

Visit our table to learn how to spot red flags in relationships and understand what they might mean for your well-being. Through interactive activities and resources, you’ll gain tools to recognize unhealthy dynamics and know where to turn for support. Empower yourself to build safer, healthier connections.

When: 1-2:230pm

Where: Friend of the Court

North Kent Campus 4191 17 Mile Road Cedar Springs MI 

Registration Required

FREE

The Kent County Friend of the Court Domestic Violence Workgroup is proud to present this educational and impactful event. 

Domestic Violence Simulation: Walk in the Shoes of a Survivor

Free, in person, interactive. .

Take a walk in a survivor's shoes. This domestic violence simulation is an immersive experience highlighting the impact of domestic violence on the individuals navigating the legal system and adjacent systems.

Participants engage in interactive scenarios that illustrate the challenges victims and survivors face in legal proceedings and in obtaining resources. By walking in the shoes of a survivor, attendees explore the complexities of navigating overlapping systems, working with law enforcement, and engaging in court processes. This simulation seeks to foster understanding of the challenges faced by victims and survivors, to increase understanding and awareness.

When: 6pm

Where: 25 Sheldon Ave SE Grand Rapids MI 49503

Registration and Fundraising Information

OUR VISION:
A world free from violence.

OUR MISSION:
To eliminate racism, empower women and girls, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

WHY WE WALK:
We walk because domestic violence continues to harm individuals and families in every corner of our community.
We walk to raise awareness, to support survivors, and to help ensure that no one faces violence alone.

Every dollar raised fuels critical services like emergency shelter, therapy, legal advocacy, and crisis response.

This walk is a chance to come together in solidarity with survivors, with each other, and with a shared commitment to building a future free from violence.

FUELING IMPACT:
At the YWCA West Central Michigan, we believe that safety is a human right and that every survivor deserves the chance to heal, thrive, and be heard.

Funds raised through the Walk for Change go directly toward providing the comprehensive, survivor-centered services that are urgently needed in our community. These services don’t just meet the moment of crisis, they also support long-term safety, stability, and empowerment.

When: 8:15pm

Where:  Dance Studio: Fieldhouse 160

Register here! 

Join us for a calming, mindful yoga practice in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This class will focus on grounding, breath, and gentle movement to promote healing, resilience, and self-care. Open to all GVSU students, faculty, and staff—no prior yoga experience needed.

When: 11am-1pm

Where: Kirkhof Lobby

Stop by our table to learn how to support survivors of domestic violence with compassion and care. Explore resources, strategies, and campus services that can help you be an ally and stand alongside those impacted. Together, we can foster a community of empathy, safety, and support.

When:2-3:30pm

Where: Virtual

Who: Staff and Faculty Only

Registration Required via Workday

Domestic violence has a devastating impact on individuals, workplaces, and the economy. In the U.S., domestic violence accounts for an estimated 8 million lost workdays each year and $8.3 billion annually in medical expenses and lost productivity.*

Abuse is not always physical. Threats, manipulation, isolation, gaslighting, and verbal attacks can inflict lasting psychological harm, including post-traumatic stress disorder. Financial or economic abuse is a factor in nearly all domestic violence cases limiting a partner's access to money, employment, and resources. Abusers often harass their partner at work, interfere with transportation and attendance, or sabotage career advancement. Supervisors and co-workers often struggle to know what to do or say- not wanting to get involved or jumping into rescue mode- getting too involved and potentially putting themselves in harm's way. By building awareness and strengthening our ability to respond, we create safer, more supportive environments where survivors are more likely to reach out for assistance
 
*Statistics from www.workplacesrespond.org

Learning Outcomes - Participants will be able to:

• Identify various forms of domestic violence.
• Understand the impact of domestic violence on survivors and workplaces.
• Recognize the signs of domestic violence in the workplace and what resources are available.

Presenters:

• Holly Seymour Jasinski, MS, RYT (She/Her/Hers) Director, Center for Women & Gender Equity

When:12-1:30pm

Where:  Friend of the Court 17th Circuit Court, 180 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids  49503, 5th Floor Conference Room 

Registration Required

FREE

The Kent County Friend of the Court Domestic Violence Workgroup is proud to present this educational and impactful event. 

Take a walk in a survivor's shoes. This domestic violence simulation is an immersive experience highlighting the impact of domestic violence on the individuals navigating the legal system and adjacent systems.

Participants engage in interactive scenarios that illustrate the challenges victims and survivors face in legal proceedings and in obtaining resources. By walking in the shoes of a survivor, attendees explore the complexities of navigating overlapping systems, working with law enforcement, and engaging in court processes. This simulation seeks to foster understanding of the challenges faced by victims and survivors, to increase understanding and awareness.

This training is approved for 1.5 hours of MCJE credit. 

When: 12-1:30pm

Where: Virtual

Registration Required

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but what would it look like if our community became even more equipped to take ACTION to address domestic violence? During this 90-minute webinar participants will learn more about domestic violence violence including 3 practical steps that can move response efforts from awareness building to tangible action. Participants will leave with a concrete understanding of ways they can recognize, respond and prevent domestic violence in their personal and/or professional lives.

The cost for this training is $20. If cost is a prohibitive factor, please reach out to Tara at [email protected] to explore a reduced cost option.

When: 2-3:00pm

Where: KC 1161 - LGBT RC

This event is INT 100/201 approved

Join us for this student-led, Open Door Discussion focusing on safety in relationships, covering queer-specific topics surrounding consent, boundaries, and sexual health.

When: 8:15pm

Where:  Dance Studio: Fieldhouse 160

Register here! 

Join us for a calming, mindful yoga practice in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This class will focus on grounding, breath, and gentle movement to promote healing, resilience, and self-care. Open to all GVSU students, faculty, and staff—no prior yoga experience needed.

When: 5-7pm

Where: Kirkhof 2215/2216

INT 100/201 Approved

Stronger Together: Building A Healthy Manhood Movement at GVSU.  A campus wide conversation on masculinity, allyship, and relationships. 

When: 11am-1pm

Where: Kirkhof Lobby

Join us at our table to explore how consent and communication are essential to building healthy relationships. Through interactive activities and resources, you’ll learn practical ways to practice respect, set boundaries, and navigate conversations with confidence. Let’s work together to create a culture of care and mutual understanding.

When: 8:15pm

Where:  Dance Studio: Fieldhouse 160

Register here! 

Join us for a calming, mindful yoga practice in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This class will focus on grounding, breath, and gentle movement to promote healing, resilience, and self-care. Open to all GVSU students, faculty, and staff—no prior yoga experience needed.

Year Round Resources

Victim and Survivor Advocacy

Violence Prevention Education