Washburn University Poetry Slam raises awareness about domestic violence

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Washburn University is raising awareness about domestic violence this week.

Students wrote poems on Oct. 21 as part of the “Ichabods Speak Out,” event and learned about counseling services at the university.

“The poetry reading allows for people to be supported,” said Dennis Etzel Jr., a professor at Washburn. “It allows for survivors to be seen heard and just to lift survivors up.”

“I think it’s really important to talk about domestic violence because I think victims are often silenced a lot especially by the justice system,” said Tyler Naquin, a Washburn student who shared a poem. “There are people out here in your own community, your own school, your own professors who care and listen.”

Students are also making signs for a community march and rally. That takes place at 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 24 the Kansas Statehouse.

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