Murray State police help prevent domestic violence

Emily Shepherd

Contributing Writer

eshepherd2@murraystate.edu

Elizabeth Kimball

Contributing Writer

ekimball@murraystate.edu

Murray State police are taking an active approach to break the cycle of domestic and dating relationship violence on campus.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and it is a reminder that for millions of people, home isn’t a sanctuary.

The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are victims of physical violence by a partner every year.

The Murray State Police Department dedicates time and resources each year to training members of the campus community about domestic violence. The training includes education on recognizing the signs of domestic and dating violence and what to do if you or someone you know could be at risk.

Education starts with Title IX training issued by the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Access. All students, faculty, staff and police officers are required to complete the training every year on Canvas to stay up to date on new policies and procedures.

The police department takes the training a step further by holding special training sessions for various University groups and organizations. Some of the organizations include fraternities, sororities and Residential Colleges.

Residential advisers receive special training on how to recognize the signs of domestic violence.

RAs are trained to look for signs such as noticeable physical injuries, sudden reclusive behavior or a student hinting at things their partner may have done.

“Violence is something RAs take serious whether it’s domestic or not,” Ashley Porzel, Lee Clark College RA from Valparaiso, Indiana, said. “However, simple signs such as abnormal behavior and unusual markings on an individual’s skin are two traits we look out for. We really want what is best for our residents and their safety is our number one priority.”

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports one of the largest hurdles to overcome is getting students to come forward. Murray State police work hard to break down barriers between the department and the student community. One officer even likes to walk around campus playing his ukulele.

“This is goofy for a 6-foot, 210-pound dude to be playing out and about on campus, but guess what, I do it, they sing along and they look at me like I am human,” Sgt. Austin Guill said. “So I know they would approach me if they need anything.”

Guill said he is not the only officer in the department who can be found on campus interacting with students. It is a department initiative to build a sense of community on campus among students and officers. 

One of the ways the department helps cultivate a sense of community is through the national program, Coffee with a Cop.

The program, which began in 2011 in Hawthorne, California, is designed to improve trust and build relationships, one cup of coffee at a time.

The Murray State PD recently held its first Coffee with a Cop event of the semester where students were able to speak one-on-one with officers. The event provided a safe environment for students to address concerns they may have on campus.

“It was such a good time, because it’s a relaxed atmosphere for discussion,” Guill said.

In addition to the Office of IDEA and campus police, the Women’s Center also works to prevent domestic violence.

“It’s important to teach and model healthy relationships starting at a very early age,” Abigail Cox, Women’s Center coordinator, said. “Things like conflict resolution, boundaries and communication help to prevent violence.”

Domestic violence can happen to people of any race, age, sexual orientation, economic class, immigration status, religion or gender. It can happen to couples that are married, living together or dating.

Cox urges anyone in a domestic violence situation to reach out to anyone for help.

“Talk to someone,” Cox said. “Everyone’s situation is different. But isolation is very very common and almost everyone needs support in these situations in order to make difficult decisions.”

As this month comes to an end, the important discussion it brings to the forefront about domestic violence’s horrific repercussions should not.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse,  you can reach the Murray State PD at (270) 809-2222. If you are in danger, call 911.

Scroll to Top