Boise State partners with local agencies for domestic violence awareness event

Boise State University hosted a domestic violence awareness event in October to connect students with local support services. The activity took place on campus and involved several student organizations working alongside community providers.

The Student Connections and Support Center organized the gathering in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The event was held in collaboration with the university’s multicultural board, panhellenic council, and interfraternity council. Attendees received baked goods, free handouts with pins, and goodie bags containing contact information for resources located outside of Albertsons Library.

Joanna Anguiano-Cisneros, the violence prevention programming assistant at Boise State, stated that the event aims to ensure students know local resources are available year-round. She encouraged peers to assist individuals experiencing abuse by providing them with necessary tools and information. “If you know somebody that’s experienced domestic violence or is currently experiencing domestic violence, you can give them resources and assist them in a way that they need,” Anguiano-Cisneros said.

Representatives from the Women’s and Children’s Alliance, or WCA, participated in the event. Spencer Nair, the outreach coordinator for the WCA, described the organization as a safe shelter for domestic violence victims in Ada County. “We provide safety, healing and freedom for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. So, that includes services like counseling, case management and we also run the only safe shelter for domestic abuse in Ada County,” Nair said. The WCA operates a 24-hour hotline at (208) 343-7025 and maintains a physical location at 720 West Washington Street in downtown Boise.

Sydnie Hardee, the victim service coordinator at the Ada County Victim Services Center, also represented her agency at the event. She described the center as a 24-hour, free clinic offering counseling and medical services for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. “You can walk in at any time and we offer services for those in need,” Hardee said. The center is located at 417 South 6th Street and can be reached at (208) 577-4400. The agency also assists victims in filing legal reports or Title IX complaints.

The Boise State Student Connections and Support Center, located on the second floor of the Student Union Building, provides free counseling and support services for students dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Hardee noted that having multiple options on and off campus helps reduce the intimidation often associated with seeking help. “It’s important to not only spread awareness about domestic violence in general, but just know that there are a lot of resources, especially for college students,” Hardee said. She added that students can speak to these providers without cost.

The event served as a direct link between student life and professional community services. Participants had the opportunity to meet coordinators from both local agencies. The presence of these organizations on campus emphasized the availability of immediate, free, and confidential support for the student population.