Recognized in October
October marks Relationship Violence Awareness Month (RVAM), a time recognized nationally and by UNC to raise awareness, promote prevention, and highlight the resources available at Carolina for members of our community impacted by interpersonal violence (relationship, dating, domestic, intimate parter violence).
UNC-Chapel Hill defines interpersonal violence (including intimate partner violence, dating violence, domestic violence, and relationship violence) as, “a broad range of abusive behavior committed by a person who is or has been:
- In a romantic or intimate relationship with the Reporting Party* (of the same or different sex);
- The Reporting Party’s spouse or partner (of the same or different sex);
- The Reporting Party’s family member; or
- The Reporting Party’s cohabitant or household member, including a roommate.”
Interpersonal violence can include physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions, attempted actions, or threats of actions that would cause a reasonable person in similar circumstances and with similar identities to fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others or to experience substantial emotional distress. Such behaviors may include, but are not limited to, physical violence and threats of violence to one’s self, one’s family member, or one’s pet.
*Reporting Party: Any individual who reports experiencing unwanted or discriminatory behavior (including interpersonal or relationship violence, sexual violence, sexual exploitation, and stalking) prohibited by UNC Chapel Hill’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Misconduct or Policy on Prohibited Sexual Harassment under Title IX.
2025 Relationship violence awareness month events
Preparedness in The Pit | Tuesday, October 2, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., The Pit
Join campus safety resources for Preparedness in The Pit to learn how to handle all kinds of emergencies, learn about resources, and our new violence prevention campaign.
Empower UNC: Responding to Disclosures (Student Open-Call) | Wednesday, October 8, 5:00 – 7:30 p.m., Graduate Student Center (211 A. W. Cameron Avenue)
Empower UNC equips students and employees with information, resources, and strategies to respond to disclosures of harassment, sexual misconduct, interpersonal violence, and stalking in an informed and compassionate way. Register on HeelLife.
CANCELLED – Hazing Prevention Trivia Night | Wednesday, 10/8, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Carolina Union Class of 2000 Lounge
Grab your friends (or roll solo and find your team there!) and join Violence Prevention & Advocacy Services, Fraternity & Sorority Life, and Student Wellness for a night of trivia, free food, and friendly competition.
Touch Grass with VPAS: Purple Thursday | Thursday, October 9, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m., The Pit
Touch Grass With VPAS is an initiative working to promote self-care through nature-centered activities. In recognition of Purple Thursday, an annual day of awareness during October’s Relationship Violence Awareness Month, join Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services to create reusable calming tools using lavender. Learn more on Heel Life.
CANCELLED – Pawsitive Relationships | Monday, October 13, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., SASB Courtyard
Join Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services to learn about healthy relationship skills while relaxing with therapy dogs. Learn more on Heel Life.
Empower UNC: Responding to Disclosures (Employee Open-Call) | Thursday, October 16, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Carolina Union
Empower UNC equips students and employees with information, resources, and strategies to respond to disclosures of harassment, sexual misconduct, interpersonal violence, and stalking in an informed and compassionate way. Employees may register for a training date on Carolina Talent.
Employee Appreciation Day Department Fair | Friday, October 17, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Carolina Union Great Hall
Stop by and chat with departments from across campus! VPAS, Carolina Behavioral Assessment and Management, and the University Compliance Office, among others, will be there. Learn more on the event page.
RVAM Self-Care on the Go | Tuesday, October 21, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., The Pit
Take a quick break, stop by and say hello to Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services, and build your own self-care goodie bag. We’ll have snacks, stickers, fidgets, self-care supplies, and resource information – we’re here for you and we believe in you. Learn more on Heel Life.
Craft and Chat: The Summer I Turned Pretty | Friday, October 24, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services (SASB South, 3307)
Let’s chat! Join Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services to discuss the relationship dynamics in The Summer I Turned Pretty while making cards dedicated to our younger selves. Registration encouraged on Heel Life.
Safetober Fest | Tuesday, October 28, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Bell Tower Lawn
Safetoberfest is a spook-tacularly fun program that aims to increase safety and awareness of resources for Carolina students. This “trick-or-treat” type program allows for UNC and Chapel Hill resources to engage with students through interactive activities, games, and face-to-face interactions that help enhance each student’s understanding of how to utilize all our amazing resources across campus and the surrounding Chapel Hill community. Students walk away with resources, free food, and a free shirt!
Family Weekend Tricks and Treats: Building a Safer Carolina Together | Friday, October 31, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Carolina Union Gift Plaza
Stop by and learn tricks, grab treats, and meet departments on campus working to build a safer Carolina community. Join us for a fun and interactive activities designed for students and families! Offices include Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services, Carolina Behavioral Assessment and Management, UNC Police, and the University Compliance Office. Come connect, learn more, and help make our Carolina community safer—together. Learn more on HeelLife.