On the eve of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the College at Brockport, State University of New York is in mourning for one of its fellow students Alexandra Kogut, 18.
Kogut was found in her dorm room early Saturday after being brutally murdered by her boyfriend Clayton Whittemore, 21. Campus police discovered her body after being alerted by her mother who was unable to reach her by phone.
After Chellsey Phillips, a senior social work major at Campbellsville University and the president of the campus SWITCH Club, watched the newscast of Kogut’s death, she said, “This tragic situation brought the relevance of domestic violence on college campuses to light. Even though it was very powerful to see how this particular campus compiled resources, provided support and created outlets for students who were suffering this loss, it also allowed college communities to see the negative impacts of this ever present issue.
“Through situations such as this, we see just how important it is that we promote domestic violence prevention and awareness not only in our community, but specifically on our college campus.”
Information provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines dating violence as the physical, sexual, or psychological/emotional violence within a dating relationship, as well as stalking.
It can occur in person or electronically, may occur between a current or former dating partner and does not require sexual intimacy.
Knowledge Networks conducted “Liz Claiborne Inc.’s Love Is Not Abuse 2011 College Dating Violence and Abuse Poll,” to address the lack of data on dating violence and abuse among college students and to increase the understanding of this problem on college campuses nationwide.
A key finding of this poll indicates that a significant number of college women are victims of violence and abuse.
The studying also indicated that college students do not know where or how to get help for themselves or a friend.
There are organiztions that can help.
The Campbellsville University Office of Counseling Services provides confidential counseling in a caring atmosphere to assist students in dealing with their innermost needs. The office is located at 312 N. Columbia Ave., across the street from the School of Nursing, and next door to CVS Pharmacy.
Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Bethany House Abuse Shelter provides a 24-hour crisis line, 1-800-755-2017.
Bethany House is a non-profit organization that provides intervention and safe temporary shelter, food, clothing, transportation, counseling referral, legal referrals, as well as individual and group counseling.
All calls are confidential.
Loveisrespect.org is the online home of the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline where high school and college students can find support and information to understand dating abuse.
The helpline asks for no names and provides no judging, only help anytime you need it through one-on-one assistance with a trained advocate 24/7 who can offer support and connect you to resources.
Call toll free at 1-866-331-9474. One-on-one live chat is also available 24/7 or text “loveis” to 77054.
You will receive a response from a peer advocate prompting you for your question. Nothing is off limits, too crazy or embarrassing.
Make sure you are in a safe space before you text.
Always delete the conversation after you finish to ensuring that no one else can access your information.
Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear. If you are afraid your Internet and/or computer usage might be monitored, use a safer computer, or call your local hotline at 1-800-755-2017, loveisrespect.org – 1-866-331-9474, and/or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224
If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 911.