September 30, 2005

Troy University's SAVE project takes aim at depression, domestic violence

TROY — During October, Troy University ’s Sexual Assault and Violence Education (SAVE) project will be helping students “Battle the Blues,” while also raising their awareness of the dangers and warning signs of domestic violence.

The SAVE project will present its annual “Battle of the Blues” week Oct. 3-7, providing free, confidential depression screenings and a showing of the Movie Prozac Nation for TROY students.

The depression screenings will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday in Trojan Center Room 224. Counselors will be on hand to interpret scores and help students determine if additional attention is necessary.

Prozac Nation, presented by the University Activities Council at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 5 in the Claudia Crosby Theater, is the compelling true story of Elizabeth Wurtzel, a young woman struggling with depression during her first year of college at Harvard. This film stars Jessica Lange, Christina Ricci and Jason Biggs.  Admission to the movie is free with a valid Troy University identification card.

“Sometimes, in this time of so many changes and transitions, students just need someone to talk to,” said Jenny Duncan, assistant coordinator and counselor with SAVE.  “This is where our personal counseling service becomes beneficial. Even if we aren’t able to help students, we are able to point them in the right direction so they can get the care they need.”

SAVE will also be helping to spread awareness among the University community about domestic violence throughout October in conjunction with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

According to Duncan , purple ribbons will be placed throughout campus help raise awareness. Students and faculty can show their support, too, by wearing a purple lapel ribbon or purple bracelet that will be distributed on campus.

“Since sexual assault and domestic violence is on the rise in our country, it’s important to help raise the awareness and educate students on the subject,” Duncan said. “Our ‘Purple Ribbon Campaign’ is designed to raise awareness among our students, faculty and staff.  We hope that this will be a huge success and it can become a tradition at the university.”

The SAVE Project is designed to promote change and raise awareness concerning sexual violence within the campus community and help students who have been directly affected by sexual violence. SAVE is dedicated to the prevention of sexual assault and harassment and to the growth of healthy male-female relationships on campus.