GREELEY, Colo.?Domestic violence is a problem that affects millions of people every year. A woman is raped every six minutes. This is the very reason the men of Alpha Kappa Lambda at University of Northern Colorado are taking a stand to fight violence against women and spread awareness of its occurrence throughout campus.
“Domestic violence is such a huge crime committed everywhere,” fraternity member and junior Gavin Maeda said. “Everyone knows someone whose been affected.”
Alpha Kappa Lambda has established a national service project called “These Hands Don’t Hurt.” The project has been at UNC for three years and continues to grow with continued support.
This week, members of AKL are stationed at the UC, Toby Kendel Hall and Harrison Hall to ask students to place their hand prints on a white wall, pledging not to use their hands for domestic violence or sexual assault. The hand print costs $1, and the proceeds go to the Assault Survivors Advocacy Program (ASAP).
AKL President David Wells said he hopes the project will raise awareness about domestic violence and programs like ASAP that are there to help.
“A lot of students come by and don’t know there’s a service out there besides the police that’s effective and confidential,” Wells said.
ASAP and the Women’s Resource Center have raised more than $1,500 through the program. Alpha Kappa Lambda members said the fraternity’s history stems from community service, and it’s the responsibility of its members to educate others.