News

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville community gathered Wednesday, Oct. 16, to participate in Break the Silence, an initiative recognizing Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse Awareness Month. Hosted by the Office of Equal Opportunity, Access & Title IX Coordination in partnership with the SIUE Police Department and the Department of Social Work, the second annual event fostered discussion and raised awareness around the critical issues of sexual assault and partner violence.

In close proximity to the Cougar Statue, the Cover the Cruiser feature drew in visitors with a visible show of support. Cover the Cruiser, a national initiative designed to bring awareness to societal issues, including sexual assault and intimate partner violence, allows a space for expression and a bridge with law enforcement by encouraging organic community art. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors wrote positive messages on sticky notes and attached them to an SIUE police car. The SUV quickly became adorned with dozens of mantras and messages of goodwill. “You are strong,” said one note; “SIUE Stands With You,” and “Love Shouldn’t Be Forced,” read others. Most of the notes were anonymously authored, creating a moment of poetic solidarity.

David Goodwin, Chief of the SIUE Police Department, bolstered immediate support for the Cover the Cruiser initiative and was enthusiastic about the SIUE Police participation.

“SIUE PD is proud to participate in the ‘Break the Silence’ Cover the Cruiser event,” said Chief Goodwin. “This initiative not only encourages open dialogue about a critical issue often hidden in silence, but also reinforces SIUE PD’s commitment to standing with survivors and promoting a safer, more informed community.”

The sunny and brisk fall day created the perfect backdrop for Break the Silence. Post-it notes fluttered in the chill wind on the patrol car’s exterior, and strobing emergency lighting added to the visible display of support. Inside the MUC, participants raised awareness and educated visitors about the challenges of substance abuse and domestic violence and what that might look like on a University campus.

Break the Silence was held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Morris University Center’s Goshen Lounge, and featured information booths about domestic violence and mental health outreach. Additional activities, including an impairment simulator game, attracted the interest of students. Several departments and community partners, including Counseling Services and Metro East Every Survivor Counts, were on-site to provide support and resources.

Melissa Bigtas, MSW, LSW, outreach and prevention program coordinator, oversaw the direction of the event and curated the University’s acknowledgment of Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse Month.

“The Office of Equal Opportunity, Access & Title IX Coordination is so thankful to be leading this initiative,” said Bigtas. “This event is an outcome of the Coordinated Community Care Response Team Task Force, which brings together University leadership, faculty, staff and students to raise awareness and promote prevention efforts.”

Bigtas praised Chief Goodwin for the police participation and noted that it was the first Cover the Cruiser event to be offered at SIUE.

“The EOA Office at SIUE values opportunities to build meaningful relationships with our community partners, and this event brings us together to strengthen the awareness efforts of our University and community,” said Bigtas.

Together, Chief Goodwin, Melissa Bigtas, and the Coordinated Community Care Response Team Task Force strengthened SIUE’s commitment to supporting survivors of sexual assault and interpersonal violence.

PHOTOS: SIUE Police Dept. patrol vehicle, student participant, ribbons of encouragement