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.