CSUB Division of Equity, Inclusion, and Compliance Department coordinated a Domestic Violence Awareness Month event on Oct. 24 to bring awareness of domestic violence to the students, faculty, and staff.
The EIC department hosted a table and spoke about different resources and how they serve the students.
“We deal with all type of support for our students.” Miniah Valentie, student assistant, explained to students who visited the EIC booth.
Gernardo Bolbadia, CSUB interim campus advocate, explained to the students and staff that as an advocate, they are a resource to anyone who needs support or wants to report any situation regarding harassment or discrimination.
“The campus advocate is a confidential resource for students, faculty and staff… we don’t report anything you tell us. A lot of the time survivors don’t feel comfortable reporting… but they want to know their resources.” Said Bolbadia.
The Family Justice Center was also invited to the event to share information on the services that they provide. The FJC is a safe space that focuses on human trafficking, sexual assault, and domestic violence victims.
Jessica Gonzales and Adria Golla, Victim Advocates at Family Justice Center, shared how sometimes it is hard for a victim to open up and that the Family Justice Center can act as a liaison between the court and the victim.
“There isn’t a timeline on anything, you can seek out help whenever.” said Golla.
The FJC can also assist with CalVBC, California Victim Compensation Board, applications to get compensation pay victims of human trafficking.
The FJC does a lot of partnerships with The Open Door Network, a resource for homeless and victims of domestic violence shelters.
There is a big need for resources for housing for survivors of domestic violence. With the Open Door Network, we help provide housing for those victims, explained Gina Jimeniz, community prevention specialist for Open Door Network.
The Open Door Network expressed to students that they have three safe housing centers in Bakersfield, Arvin, and Delano to give victims a safe shelter.
CSUB’s DVAM event created a safe space to raise awareness of the signs of domestic violence, as well as allow students to explore the resources available to them.
