The Title IX Office kicks off the Love Shouldn’t Hurt Campaign

Title IX's Love Shouldn't Hurt Campaign Sign / Photo Editor Mollie Wadham

Last Friday, Oct. 14 the Title IX Office held their annual Love Shouldn’t Hurt Campaign, raising awareness about sexual violence, resources for survivors on and off campus, and raising money for local support organizations. The event started on the College Green, where students had the opportunity to sign the pledge to prevent sexual and dating violence, receive a free t-shirt, and put their handprint on the Love Shouldn’t Hurt banner. The event was followed by a walk around campus, where students held the banner in support of survivors. The walk ended at the Greek Tree, where students painted messages of support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

In addition, gift cards from local businesses, such as the Genesee Valley Florist, Sweet Arts, and Intermissions, were raffled off to those who donated to the campaign. All proceeds go to Willow Domestic Violence Center, an organization in Rochester. Willow Domestic Violence Center offers a number of resources to survivors, whether you are currently experiencing sexual violence, domestic violence, or stalking. 

Willow has a 24/7 hotline—(585) 222-7233—and a 24/7 text line—(585) 348-7233—for survivors to call or text. Willow also offers short-term counseling services for individuals. These services are strictly confidential and can be arranged at the phone number above. They also have support groups with flexible times on weekends, weekdays, and evenings. Also, if you are facing the individual who has harmed you in court, Willow provides advocates to accompany survivors to court. Willow also has a safehouse and offers pet services for survivors who don’t want to leave their pet behind when they leave their abusers. 

The Title IX Office chose Willow as the benefactor of this year’s Love Shouldn’t Hurt Campaign Fundraiser, where students paid two dollars for raffle tickets to win gift cards to local businesses. The Title IX Office raised approximately $100 for Willow Domestic Violence Center. 

The Title IX Office is an on-campus resource to students who are experiencing or have experienced sexual misconduct. The Title IX Office can connect students with confidential counselling resources, such as RESTORE Sexual Assault Services and Chances and Changes. Both of these organizations provide free counseling to survivors of sexual assault, as well as advocates for criminal and collegiate due process of formal complaints. 

The Title IX Office holds the Love Shouldn’t Hurt Campaign every year to raise awareness about sexual and dating violence on campus and promote resources for survivors. Students can report instances of sexual misconduct at the Title IX home page. Additionally, the Title IX office has an office in Doty 303, where students can meet with Interim Title IX Coordinator Robbie Rotenberg, or Senior Deputy Title IX Coordinator Wes Kennison. The Title IX Office also has a 24/7 number, (585) 270-1696. This number can be called at any time to discuss options and resources.