SRSC program raises funds for violence prevention

The Student Recreational Sports Center played host Friday to the first annual Fitness Against Violence program, raising more than $6,000 for Middle Way House.\nThe event educated about domestic violence and sexual assault and emphasized the importance of physical well-being by offering exercising activities.\nDuring the program, there was a tree dedication ceremony in honor of Jennifer Meece, a former SRSC employee who was found dead in her apartment last June. The cause of death was speculated to be domestic violence-related.\nThe dedication emphasized the importance of educating people about violence against women.\n"Friends don't let friends die without a lot of noise," Janet Johnson, graduate student and SRSC employee, said. "We can stop asking, 'But what can we do,' and we can do something."\nIn addition to the dedication ceremony, there were various lectures about domestic violence, sexual assault and body image.\n"Domestic Violence 101 covers the basics of what domestic violence is and why women stay in those kind of situations," said Amy Woods, crisis intervention services coordinator for Middle Way House. "It tells what services are available and what the dynamics of domestic violence are."\nThe event had more than 300 participants, most of whom had pre-registered.\n"I think the success of Fitness Against Violence is a reflection of people's desire to want to do something positive with the issue of violence against women," said Jill Nielsen, fund development coordinator for Middle Way House. "Everyone feels this was an outstanding turnout for a first-time event."\nNot only did the event raise money for the Middle Way House, it brought the issue of violence against women into the public eye. Nielsen said she hoped the participants left with more of an understanding of domestic violence. \n"I hope that they have learned that something positive can come out of an issue that has a lot of baggage along with it," Nielsen said. "I hope that they go away with some new information that they can then apply to their own lives and perhaps help a friend who has been in a violent situation."\nAlthough the emphasis of the program was on ending violence against women, the fitness aspect helped to promote the importance of physical health.\n"Fitness empowers women," said Carol Kennedy, director of fitness and wellness. "Even if a woman doesn't change in size, she feels better about herself because the external strength and internal strength go together."\nKennedy said this was a good opportunity for the University to get involved with an off-campus organization. The Middle Way House serves six counties in southern Indiana. \n"The University is often times an entity, but not part of Bloomington," Kennedy said. "This is where I think the University can give back to the community by sharing its facilities for a short time to help an organization"