Panel discussion kicks off Metanoia

A "change of attitude" was the main topic at a panel discussion on Sunday at the kick-off to the student-initiated Preventing Violence Against Women Metanoia Week.

Metanoia is an event that occurred 30 years ago here at UConn, which was aimed at preventing violence against women.

President Hogan described Metanoia as, "hard work arising from dedication. It takes a lot of people working very hard to put something like this together."

Unlike 30 years ago, Metanoia is now student-driven and focused on preventing violence against women rather than on helping women fight back.

It started last year after a publicized sexual assault on campus left students asking questions. The "What Will You Do" rally, also completely run by students, was a response to these questions.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal spoke at the event, stressing the importance of preventing domestic violence so that we can break the cycle and prevent future crimes. He also spoke about the importance of involving men in issues of violence against women.

At the panel discussion, students shared their stories and how they became involved in the Preventing Violence Against Women campaign.

Brenna Harvey, a 7th-semester English and sociology major, spoke about how the main goal "was not for violence avoidance or delay, but for true prevention."

She also spoke about what UConn does to help address these issues, including a segment at freshman orientation on consent. Educating students allows them to learn about the issues and understand how this is effecting so many people around us.

"There are a lot of misperceptions on this subject, so it is important that people educate themselves," said Tess Koenigsmark, a 3rd-semester women's studies major.

Women who were participants in the last Metanoia also spoke about the changes that have occurred and the changes that still need to occur in women's rights.

Since the last Metanoia, domestic violence has finally been addressed and accepted as a crime. Women now also have the options to talk about these problems publicly and find shelter to protect them.

At UConn, all students, both men and women, can come to the Women's Center for aid after any type of assault. Student Health Services also provides resources for both men and women.

Preston Britner and Kathleen Holgerson, co-organizers of the Metanoia Week encouraged students to come to the events all week long and find multiple ways to get involved.