The S.T.A.R Initiative

The Burg Peer Education Network is an organization on campus dedicated to the education and betterment of anyone on campus. Their revolutionary non-lecture oriented programs allow one to learn without feeling demonized. Their primary goal is to make sure that all students make informed, healthy decisions and maintain their mental and physical health any way they can. Programs designed by the Education Network involve, but are not limited to, the Love Back campaign, Blue and Red zone, and most recently, S.T.A.R.

S.T.A.R is an acronym for “Stop The Abusive Relationships” and was designed by the organization’s past president as a means to inform the public of abusive behaviors, including how to spot them and what to do if they are spotted. Oriented around the health of whomever is being abused, the program offers an insightful look on domestic violence and how we as bystanders can step in to stop it.

Although most believe that domestic violence is an issue that regards solely common sense, the truth is that although the information is within reach, it’s not accessed as much as it should. The program began with an introduction allowing the audience to participate and share their feelings regarding the subject, as well as counseling after the program ended. After that had come to pass, they delved into the usual presentation of identifying abuse whether you are in or out of the relationship, and how it could be anything from demanding to check your phone to outright physical threats of violence. What made this program different from others was the focus on the psychological and physical effects that abuse can cause.

One of the slides that was elaborated on was “Why don’t they just leave?” This discussion had the most impact, especially after personal stories had been shared regarding how they were abused by their partners and why they stayed. More often than not, it was the isolation and fear that kept them in place. It’s not as simple as one thinks, especially when the abuse doesn’t always end when the relationship does. It is for this reason that they included who to reach out to, including the Title IX office and local domestic abuse hotlines.

Because Burg focuses on combating the bystander effect, another feature of the program was what we as outsiders of the relationship can do if a friend, or even a stranger, is suffering from domestic violence. Peer Educators preach safety, so the suggestions were not the bold heroic things one is usually told to do. Instead, Burg suggested offering support to the partner in need. The best thing to do is reach out and set time aside for the person you suspect is being abused and gently encourage them to seek out help and leave the relationship. The most fatal mistake a bystander can make in this position is shame them for not doing something sooner or force them into something they aren’t yet comfortable with. It is vital that they are given the support and friendly relations they’ve denied so long.

Another feature of the program that made it different from others  was the focus on after-effects. The paradox of abusive relationships contains a cycle consisting of the honeymoon phase, tension building, and the blow up. The honeymoon phase can last anywhere from hours to years, but if an incident of abuse occurred, it is still abuse and it still happened. Because abuse can’t simply be washed away without any effort, the Peer Educators offered support for the abuser. More often than not, the abuser is demonized and made into the antagonist of a novel. That kind of thought isn’t exactly helpful because the victim likely still values them, and hating the abuser may just make them distrust you. It was emphasized that an explanation of abusive behavior is not for any reason an excuse. If abusive behavior is recognized, one should immediately seek help whether they are the abuser or the abused.

The Burg Peer Education network has been prevalent on campus working at several tables a week and developing new programs, the sole intent of which are to seek out those in need and offer them assistance. Despite the hard work and dedication that comes from a deep passion for serving people, they are not as publicized or as praised as they should be. This organization is comprised of the most caring people that truly care about spreading information, love, and peace, and it really shows in all the minute details they pay attention to. Future programs hosted by this organization are highly recommended, especially if you or someone you know is plagued by one or multiple of the issues they focus on.