To bring light to dating and domestic violence during October, the University of North Alabama and the city of Florence offer many different resources that students and citizens can use in the event of dating or domestic violence occurring. These forms of abuse, though often related, have distinct legal definitions and impact both students and the broader community.
Dating violence refers to physical or sexual violence committed by a person who has been or is in a romantic or intimate relationship with the victim. Determining whether dating violence has occurred often depends on the length and nature of the relationship, as well as how frequently the individuals involved interact. This form of abuse includes physical or sexual violence, as well as threats of violence, but is separate from domestic violence, which involves different legal contexts.
Domestic violence, by contrast, involves crimes of violence between current or former spouses, intimate partners, or individuals sharing a child. Alabama law also covers individuals cohabiting as spouses, or those protected under the state’s domestic violence laws. Domestic violence can involve a range of criminal acts, including both misdemeanors and felonies, committed against a partner or family member.
UNA’s Title IX Office plays a critical role in supporting students affected by dating or domestic violence. The office helps individuals report incidents, offers guidance on their rights, and provides options for those unsure about how to proceed. The office can also issue No Contact Orders (NCOs) between students or employees to enhance safety.
Students who may need confidential support are encouraged to reach out to UNA’s available resources or to consult external organizations for assistance. Local organizations such as Safeplace and One Place of the Shoals offer hotlines and legal advocacy services, while national resources, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline, provide additional support for those in need.
Local Resources:
– Safeplace Hotline: 256-767-6210
– One Place of the Shoals: 256-284-7600
National Resources
– National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
– National Network to End Domestic Violence: https://nnedv.org/
– National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence: https://www.ncdsv.org/
– DrugRehab.com (addresses the intersection of substance abuse and domestic violence): https://www.drugrehab.com/
– National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (provides resources for those affected by alcohol-related domestic violence): https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/
UNA’s commitment to combating dating and domestic violence extends beyond the campus, as the university actively collaborates with local and national organizations to offer comprehensive support. Through workshops, awareness campaigns and survivor-focused events, the university seeks to educate the campus community about the dangers of intimate partner violence and promote healthy relationships.
For students or community members unsure of whether they’ve experienced dating or domestic violence, UNA’s Title IX Office offers confidential consultations. These resources can provide a pathway for healing and empowerment, encouraging victims to seek the help they deserve.
As Florence observes Dating and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, UNA remains a key player in fostering a safer community, equipped with the tools and knowledge to address these critical issues. Whether through education, support or prevention, UNA is dedicated to ensuring that no student or community member feels alone in their struggle against abuse.
For more information on dating and domestic violence resources, contact UNA’s Title IX Coordinator, or visit UNA’s website for details on Title IX investigations and confidential support options.
