On Oct. 9, Student Support Services presented a film, based on true events called “Escalation,” with the intention of bringing increased awareness of abusive relationships to Bradley.
Emily Panich, an outreach counselor for Bradley University, thought it would be beneficial to bring the film to campus.
“We want to educate on what signs to look for, how to help a friend and the resources [available].” Panich said.
After several signs of abuse, in 2010 a college student named Yeardley Love was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend, George Hugely, in Charlottesville, North Carolina.
Immediately following Love’s death, an organization by the name of One Love Foundation was created by Love’s parents. The purpose for the organization was to end relationship abuse by teaching people how to recognize unhealthy and healthy relationships.
To advance their mission, One Love Foundation created the “Escalation” Workshop. The workshop includes showing the “Escalation” film, followed by a recap, thought-provoking questions and resources to help anyone in an abusive relationship.
Through the duration of the film, the room was silent. The attentive audience witnessed the beginning and advanced stages of abuse, the end result and the importance of the victim and abuser’s peers.
After the viewing of the film, the discussion began. After being asked questions regarding the film, students made comments and offered what they would do differently.
Panich asked the audience how it could be harmful to only speak positively about a relationship in the beginning stages.
“It reinforces the fact that if it starts getting worse later on, then it feels like you guys aren’t doing something right and it’s not as good as it once was,” one audience member said.
The crowd was also asked what they would do differently after watching this film.
“I will always question my friend’s relationships at first,” an audience member said. “And voice concern where there is concern.”
Panich said she intended the film to be a catalyst for conversation and believes that it can help young adults be aware of these situations. She also believes students should take action.
Panich has taken action by becoming a One Love Foundation facilitator and bringing events like these to campus.
The One Love Foundation “Escalation” Workshop is available for booking on the foundation’s website. For resources concerning abuse on campus, students can contact Student Support Services at 309-677-3658 or go to Sisson Hall 101-103.
