Empowering Change: Sorority Sisters Making a Difference By Combating Domestic Violence Through Service

About 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. We have an opportunity across all sororities to bring awareness to Domestic Violence. 

Building relationships with one another continues to grow when we are able to stand together as a united front. Here are activities you and your sorority sisters can do to raise awareness about domestic violence:

💜Awareness Workshops: Host workshops with speakers from local domestic violence organizations to educate the community or your chapter to provide resources. Here are ideas to help add value to your workshop:

  • Awareness: Educate sorority sisters and those invited about the signs of domestic violence.
  • Prevention: Discuss strategies to prevent domestic violence in communities.
  • Resources: Provide information on local support services and legal resources.
  • Empowerment: Help survivors and their support systems feel empowered to take action.

💜Candlelight Vigil: Organize a vigil to honor survivors and victims, creating a space for reflection and support. Creating an intimate space for those attending can be creating by considering adding these elements:

  • Opening Remarks: Invite a speaker from a local organization to set the tone and explain the purpose on the vigil
  • Moments of Silence: Honor victims and survivors through moments of reflection.
  • Personal Stories: Allow for moments of reflection by survivors to share their experiences. Allow this to happen organically, empowering survivors and or their families to share if they are ready
  • Musical or Artistic Elements: Incorporate music, poetry, or art to enhance the emotional impact.

💜Resource Drives: Collect items to donate to a shelter that supports those impacted by domestic violence:

  • Personal Items: (Shampoo and conditioner, Soap and body wash,  Toothbrushes and toothpaste, Deodorant, Feminine hygiene products) 
  • Clothing: ( New underwear and socks, Seasonal clothing (jackets, hats, gloves), Sleepwear, Shoes (various sizes)
  • Baby and Child Supplies: ( Diapers and wipes, Baby formula and food, Bottles and pacifiers, Children’s clothing and toys)
  • Household Items ( Bedding, Blankets and comforters, Bed linens (sheets and pillowcases), Pillows) 
  • Kitchen Supplies: (Non-perishable food items, Cooking utensils, Plates, bowls, and cups, Silverware) 
  • Cleaning Supplies: (Laundry detergent, Dish soap and sponges, All-purpose cleaner, Trash bags)