Eastern Connecticut State University hosted its 5th annual relationship violence awareness event on Oct. 9, bringing together faculty and students in honor of Alyssiah Wiley, an Eastern student who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2013. The event featured resource tables, engagement activities, guest speakers, basketball challenges and prizes to educate the campus community.

Event organizer and sociology lecturer Brenda Westberry said the motivation behind the event is to raise awareness among students about the devastating effects of relationship violence. She emphasized the importance of knowing the resources available to the campus community. “It takes a village, and this is an effort where the village is getting together to make sure that we educate our students,” she said.

At registration, students were given a passport-like card, which they completed by visiting resource and activity tables. Once completed, the card could be turned in for meal tickets for the Hungry Lion food truck and raffle entries for more than 20 themed gift baskets.

In his opening remarks at the event’s reception, Sen. Jeff Gordon praised the Eastern community’s commitment to fighting relationship violence. He stressed the importance of reminding local and state officials of the ways they can help. “Continue to let your voice be heard; people are listening,” he said.

Author and guest speaker Sarah Gallardo shared her personal experience with domestic violence in an emotional interview with Westberry. Gallardo explained the phases of domestic violence, how to identify them and how to safely exit an abusive relationship. She urged the Eastern community to “pay attention to your gut ... if you don’t feel safe, listen to that voice inside you.”

Gallardo’s book, "Hiding in Plain Sight: A Glimpse into the Reality of Domestic Violence," discusses these topics in more detail. “Her bravery today speaks volumes to me, to come out and talk to the students about her situation,” said Westberry.

Resource tables included representatives from Eastern’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), United Services, CT Safe Connect and Mothers of Victims Equality, a group founded by Wiley’s mother, Corrinna Martin. Additional advocates shared flyers and information on their services.

Activity tables were designed to engage attendees, such as the “Put a Nail in It” table, where students painted their ring fingernail to show their vow to end relationship violence. Another table featured song lyrics from popular artists, with students identifying violent messages that could have negative social impacts. The “What Would You Do” game presented scenarios involving abusive behaviors, encouraging students to think critically about how to react. Students were also invited to write letters with positive messages to survivors of domestic violence.

Later, Retired Deputy Chief Douglas Glode of Willimantic Police, Kristina Parent of DCF Willimantic and Anna Dumais ’18 received the Alyssiah Wiley Making a Difference in the Community Awards for their significant contributions to domestic violence education, prevention and awareness.

The evening wrapped up with basketball challenges in the Geissler Gymnasium and a discussion led by Damion Morgan, an advocate for addressing relationship violence in communities. Morgan has led community engagement-oriented projects aimed toward preventing relationship violence.