Artwork created to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October

Paintings created by Hostos students and members of the College’s DoVE (Domestic Violence Empowerment) Program are currently on display in the Bronx Family Court Law Library.  

The artwork was created to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October of 2014. The artwork came to life under the supervision of Hostos Professor Ian Scott and had been on display in the Hostos A-Atrium.

As part of the College’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities, Fabian Wander, who oversees the DoVE program as part of his duties as the Director of the Health and Wellness Center at Hostos, brought Maureen Curtis, Associate Vice President of Criminal Justice Programs at Safe Horizon, to the College to give a workshop to participants of the DoVe Program.

“When Curtis saw the work, she thought it would be a good idea to bring the pieces to the courthouse and have them be on display in the rooms where Domestic Violence professional counselors train other professionals,” said Wander.

Wander added that using art as a method of addressing domestic violence issues can be an easier vehicle for victims or survivors of domestic violence to share their experiences.

“Victims and survivors are continually dealing with issues of shame, and one of our goals is to reduce that stigma, so that more students feel comfortable asking for help and accessing our services. The paintings will stay at the courthouse as long as they are welcomed there. The work is beautiful and honest, and it is a pleasure to know they are being seen.”

Click here to watch a video featuring the students and faculty who were involved.

You can see the exhibit for yourself at Bronx Family Court, located at 900 Sheridan Avenue, Bronx NY.

More about DoVE
(Domestic Violence Empowerment Program) is committed to promoting and enhancing healthy life styles, healthy relationships, emotional, and spiritual wellness of our students. Throughout the year an assortment of services, activities, and resources are offered to impact their wellness and the wellness of Hostos Community College.  These services also include assisting student victims and survivors of domestic violence in connecting to the appropriate community resources.

About Hostos Community College
Eugenio María de Hostos Community College is an educational agent for change that has been transforming and improving the quality of life in the South Bronx and neighboring communities since 1968. It serves as a gateway to intellectual growth and socioeconomic mobility, as well as a point of departure for lifelong learning, success in professional careers, and transfer to advanced higher education programs. The College’s unique "Student Success Coaching Unit" provides students with individualized guidance and exemplifies its emphasis on student support services.

Recently named one of the top 10 finalists for the 2015 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Hostos offers 27 associate degree programs and two certificate programs that facilitate easy transfer to The City University of New York’s (CUNY) four-year colleges or baccalaureate studies at other institutions. The College has an award-winning Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development that offers professional development courses and certificate-bearing workforce training programs. Hostos is part of CUNY, the nation’s leading urban public university, which serves more than 480,000 students at 24 colleges.