2008 Woodie Awards
ISU, Terre Haute honor victims of domestic violence during vigil
Heidi Staggs
Issue date: 10/8/08 Section: Campus
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Bostwick, together with 27 other victims, were remembered during the candlelight vigil hosted by the Council on Domestic Abuse (CODA) in Vigo County. The vigil, which recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, was held on the steps of Terre Haute's City Hall.
"She was killed by her ex-husband last May in her office where she worked in Virginia," Collins said. "It really is emotional and I will never get over it."
Linda Maule, associate professor of political science and women's studies, took part in Monday evening's ceremony.
Maule's reasons for involvement in CODA are personal.
"Because of my own involvement with women's studies, I have come to know about genderized violence and wish, in my own personal life, to combat it through working systemic change," she said.
Nearly 70 people were at the vigil.
"What we are trying to do this month is educate as many people as we can about all aspects of domestic violence," said Susan Hall, the executive director of CODA.
Hall said the 28 balloons represented the lives lost to domestic violence from the Vigo County area since the mid-1990s.
She said CODA has been an organization in Vigo County since 1985.
Since the beginning of 2008, CODA has sheltered 139 women and 162 children.
"Our courthouse advocate has seen over 3,000 people this year," Hall said.
Brian J. Clouse, the deputy director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, gave a speech during Monday evening's vigil.
Clouse's job is to help fund agencies like CODA.
"It has enabled me to start reaching out," Clouse said.
Jon Swaner, a weekend anchor and reporter for WTWO News Channel 2, received an award recognizing his volunteerism with CODA.
He said the easiest way to get involved in CODA is to donate time, common items or money.
"We are really at the mercy of public because we are a non-profit organization," Hall said.
Maule said that due to recent fires at the shelters, donations are needed.
Donations of household items such as toilet paper, toothpaste and blankets can be made now through Nov. 17 in the mezzanine of Rhoads Hall.
Volunteering to paint and remodel the shelters is just as important as household items, Maule said.
Donations can also be given at ISU's annual Take Back the Night rally and march against genderized violence around campus, Maule said.
( Heidi Staggs is a freshman communication major. She can be reached at sascamed@isugw.indstate.edu.)
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