For many people, October means brisk air and colorful foliage. For UMW Title IX Coordinator Tiffany Oldfield, October is all about calling attention to Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, her office stays busy planning a string of events that signify the importance of recognizing domestic violence survivors and the need for education to help prevent future acts of violence.
UMW Office of Title IX Director Tiffany Oldfield. Photo by Alex Sakes
Q: What do you like most about being UMW’s Title IX Coordinator?
A: Interacting with our students and employees and providing resources and support. I enjoy helping people through difficult times and through what can sometimes be a very difficult process.
Q: Why did you choose this line of work?
A: I have a passion for it and am committed to helping end sex- and gender-based discrimination. I love working with students, which is why I was drawn to higher education.
Q: Why is it important for the UMW community to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month?
A: We want to bring the awareness of dating violence to our community. If students and the community are better able to identify red flags in their friends’ or their own relationships, are able to confidently access resources, and know how to be strong allies, survivors feel more empowered and supported, and the entire community becomes better at recognizing and preventing violence and abuse.
Q: What does your office offer to UMW students, faculty and staff?
A: Our events have a two-fold goal – to provide concrete resources and education and to encourage discussion and awareness. The more the community is engaged with issues of gender-based violence, the less acceptable, alienating and common that violence becomes.
Q: What has been your proudest achievement at UMW?
A: Working with the Title IX team to help our students and employees.
