October is National Dating and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. To show support for survivors, the Office of Institutional Integrity and Title IX hosted a candlelight vigil and awareness day on Thursday, Oct. 9.

Students were encouraged to wear purple on Thursday to show a united front for survivors. Purple is the designated color for Domestic Violence Awareness month as it symbolizes courage, peace, and a dedication to ending violence. The Dean B. Ellis Library clock tower was also lit purple in support and remembrance. 

Later in the evening, a candlelight vigil was held to honor survivors and those who have died from domestic violence. Tiffany Mosely, director of Institutional Integrity & Title IX, said hosting events like this is vital to the education and awareness of students.

“It’s important to have events like this because they provide educational value to students who may or may not know that these things exist or may not know what all domestic and dating violence survivors go through,” Mosely said. “It educates them on being sensitive. It educates them on just being aware, and also, it educates them on how they can support victims of domestic and dating violence.”

As students walked across Heritage Plaza Lawn, where the event was held, they were invited to write an encouraging message on a banner to be hung outside the Title IX office. There were also stickers, candies and small gifts that students could pick up to learn more about Dating and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The vigil started with Mosley sharing information about the services the Office of Institutional Integrity provides. Then, Casey Kidd, executive director of the Family and Crisis Center of Northeast Arkansas, shared the 2025 statistics for domestic violence in Northeast Arkansas. 

Hotline calls to report domestic violence and provide assistance rose 87% this year. The center had a 67% increase in services and helped 272 people. Kidd said they have hope this was not due to an increase in domestic violence, but instead an increase in awareness of the center’s resources. 

Kidd shared the names, ages and hometowns of victims of homicide in Northeast Arkansas. The ages of victims ranged from an unborn baby to an 85-year-old grandparent. 

Asia Simmons, a senior social work major from Jacksonville, Arkansas, read personal poetry dedicated to survivors of domestic and dating violence. Simmons said she was inspired by her experiences and those of others when writing her poem. 

“I was thinking that I have to be selfless. And I also had to consider the survivors and victims in the crowd and those who may read this interview. I had to consider, to include them, that they can overcome, and peace and grace and healing are possible,” Simmons said. 

Students were invited to light a candle and observe a moment of silence for those impacted by domestic violence. Latika Johnson, director of multicultural affairs, said she encourages students to support each other. 

“No one is alone and no one has to go through hard things alone. Get involved and find your place in the pack,” Johnson said. 

For more information on dating and domestic violence, contact the Office of Institutional Integrity and Title IX at institutionalintegrity@astate.edu or the Family Crisis Center emergency hotline at 870-933-9449. 

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