October marks Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, and Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) is turning the campus into a hub for education and prevention. The college’s Center for Student Life and Leadership has organized a free Relationship Reset Workshop to give students the tools they need before they ever encounter an abusive situation.
The United Nations describes domestic abuse as a pattern of behavior used to gain or maintain power over an intimate partner. This broad definition captures everything from physical aggression to emotional manipulation, making it essential for young adults to learn the early indicators.
When, where and why the workshop takes place
On Tuesday, October 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Student Center’s room 234 will host the event. Andrew Sweeder, assistant director of the Campus Activities Board, explains that the timing aligns with the national awareness campaign and the college’s pre-emptive education goals. “We want students to know their options before a crisis hits, and we also want them to be resource-savvy for friends or family who might be affected,” he said.
What attendees will learn and who will teach them
Two community educators, Denise Kooiker and Michelle VanTorre-Werme, will lead the session. Both are affiliated with W2WHealthy You, an organization that delivers curriculum on sexuality and healthy relationships to schools. Their expertise ensures that the workshop goes beyond generic advice and delves into concrete, research-backed strategies.
Interactive exercises that make the concepts stick
Participants will engage in three main activities. The first, called the Dating P.L.A.N., encourages students to clarify personal goals before entering a relationship. A second exercise maps out the “building blocks” of a healthy partnership, while the final Red Flag/Green Flag activity trains attendees to spot warning signs versus supportive behaviors. Each segment is designed to be hands-on, fostering discussion and self-reflection.
By the end of the workshop, students should be able to articulate why they seek a relationship, recognize the difference between nurturing and harmful dynamics, and feel confident in seeking help if needed. Sweeder emphasizes that even those not currently dating can benefit, as the knowledge serves friends, relatives, and future partners alike.
If anyone believes they are experiencing abuse, the National Domestic Abuse Hotline and GRCC’s Counseling and Well-being Office are ready to assist. The college’s preventative approach rests on the belief that it’s better to know resources before a crisis than to scramble for help when it’s too late.
