Riley County Police address domestic violence awareness with K-State student organization

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Riley County Police Department Sgt. Ramsey and Victim Advocate Coordinator Melissa Mosher spoke with Kansas State University agriculture students Wednesday evening about recognizing warning signs of domestic violence and resources available to help survivors.

The presentation was part of a "Purple Out" Domestic Violence Awareness meeting hosted by the university's chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences, or MANRRS, a national student organization.

The officers addressed warning signs of abuse and offered information about resources students can access to seek help or support others experiencing domestic violence. The meeting brought together students from K-State's College of Agriculture and related disciplines during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

October has been recognized as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month since Congress designated it as such in 1989. The observance originated as a "Day of Unity" in October 1981, organized by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence to connect advocates across the nation working to end violence against women and their children.

The month serves as a time to raise awareness about the signs of abuse, provide resources to survivors, and unite communities in efforts to prevent domestic violence. Advocates, organizations and communities across the country conduct educational campaigns, recognition ceremonies and memorial activities throughout October.

Domestic violence affects people of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, genders, races, religions and nationalities. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, one in three women and one in four men have been physically abused by an intimate partner. On average, 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute in the United States, equating to more than 10 million abuse victims annually.

Physical violence is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior as part of a systematic pattern of dominance and control. The consequences of domestic violence can include physical injury, psychological trauma and death, with effects that can cross generations.

MANRRS is a national student organization that promotes the academic and professional advancement of minorities in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences. The organization provides networking opportunities, mentorship, career guidance and professional development for students from underrepresented backgrounds in agricultural fields.

K-State's MANRRS chapter received its charter in January 2002 and serves students enrolled in agriculture, forestry and related sciences, as well as interdisciplinary subjects including rural sociology, applied anthropology and STEM fields. The organization welcomes all students as members, regardless of background.

The national organization's mission is to empower minorities in agricultural and natural resource fields through networking and professional development. MANRRS chapters offer students opportunities to enhance leadership, organizational and public speaking skills while connecting with faculty, industry professionals and fellow students.

Riley County Police Department serves Manhattan, Ogden and the unincorporated areas of Riley County. The department's Victim Advocate Coordinator position provides support and resources to crime victims throughout the community.