By Meredith Smitt
Staff Writer
Lauren Dimock has a story. And she would like to share it.
Dimock’s family has a history of domestic violence. Her aunt was killed in 2008 by her uncle, who committed suicide after the incident.
“Ever since then I’ve been very passionate about it,” Dimock said.
Her mom is on the board of the local domestic violence shelter in her hometown of Winnemucca, Nev. Dimock has also worked as an advocate for the shelter, helping victims and paying house calls. “I sang at all of the vigils they had for the victims of domestic violence,” she said.
Dimock wanted her aunt’s story to be heard to help others, but after leaving home and her role within the local shelter, she was unsure how to extend it to Corban. “How can I let people on campus know about it? We live in this Christian world and don’t really hear much about it,” she said.
Last year, Dimock shared her story with her hall, and they made ribbons to help promote awareness on campus. This year, she wanted to do something a little bigger and talked with her Resident Director Jennifer Ellison.
“One thing I love about my job is being able to equip and empower women,” Ellison said. “I’m proud of what she’s [Dimock] doing and how she’s organized this month’s activities.”
Dimock and Ellison will be hosting three events in PVG for the month of October, Domestic Violence Awareness month.
At 10 p.m. in the PVG lobby, On Oct. 5, students are invited to make purple ribbons and hear from speakers Dimock and Daren Milionis’ wife, Michelle. Milionis is also a domestic violence advocate and will be sharing on the warning signs of domestic violence, resources for victims and opportunities to serve.
Oct. 12 is a PVG-only event. “Tasty Tuesday… is when I feed my girls and the VG guys get leftovers,” Ellison explained. Dimock’s roommates will be cooking all purple food, to continue the theme of awareness in the dorm.
Also at 10 p.m. in the PVG lobby, Oct. 26, the last event of the month, students can be part of a candlelight vigil and prayer for the victims of domestic violence.
“Everyone is going to be challenged to wear purple that day,” Dimock said. “Hopefully it won’t be a challenge.”