Domestic Violence Awareness Month
As you might know, we’ve recently had some terrible deaths in our community due to relationship violence. There have been thirty-eight domestic violence-related deaths in the Portland area in the past year.
Particularly troubling for us is one of the recent incidents: In early September PSU Professor Richard Hunter shot and killed his wife Astrid Schlaps, a retired PSU faculty member. He then killed himself. Recent media articles have reported that police have concluded the investigation and determined that the deaths were a murder-suicide.
There are many members of our campus community who knew the couple personally and worked or studied with them for years. Each of them was well respected and beloved by the community, and the circumstances of their deaths have created shock and confusion.
For members of the PSU Interpersonal Violence Task Force (IPVTF), this incident is a painful reminder that domestic violence can affect everyone. People we love and respect can perpetrate relationship violence, and people we love and respect can be affected by relationship violence. Domestic violence crosses education level, socio-economic status and status in the community.
While this particular event has been very public, the IPVTF is also aware that there are PSU students, faculty and staff who are continuing to privately navigate the complex dynamics of domestic violence on a daily basis.
The IPVTF is working to create a safe PSU living and learning community. There are resources here on campus to provide support and resources. We encourage anyone who needs support to contact campus resources (see www.pdx.edu/wrc ) or the Portland Women’s Crisis Line (503-235-5333).
Members of the IPVTF will be attending the upcoming Community Healing Vigil to honor Professor Schlaps, the 37 other domestic violence homicide victims and everyone working for safety and survival. We invite all members of the PSU community to join us. The vigil will be held on Thursday, Oct. 28, from 6–8 p.m. at Holladay Park (1300 NE Lloyd Center Dr).
You are also encouraged to stop by the WRC and pick up a purple ribbon, the national symbol of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Wear a ribbon throughout the month as a reminder of the importance of safety and support.
The IPVTF is chaired by the WRC and includes representatives from SHAC, Athletics, Residence Life, Office of International Affairs, SALP, QRC, and CPSO.
PSU Interpersonal Violence Task Force