Story by Kendall W. Karpik, Connect & Protect Coordinator
Photos by Gracie Sudduth ’26
USC Upstate’s Connect and Protect Team has partnered with Sodexo’s Perk Up café to raise awareness about dating and domestic violence throughout October, which is recognized internationally as Domestic/Dating Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).
Perk Up, located in the Upstate Library, is one of the most visited spots on campus for both commuter and residential students, making it a key location to share prevention messages.
“Our student prevention peer educators, Shatter the Silence, have already hosted two events about healthy relationships and consent this semester. But it’s difficult to get important information to commuter students,” said Kendall Karpik, Connect and Protect coordinator and adviser of Shatter the Silence. “Coffee in the Library is a great way to engage students who may not have time to attend a traditional prevention event.”
With support from a grant awarded by the South Carolina Institute to Prevent Sexual Violence on College Campuses (SCIP), the Connect and Protect Program purchased custom coffee sleeves printed with messages about different types of dating and domestic abuse. Sodexo partnered with the initiative to help spread awareness.
This month, students ordering seasonal drinks such as pumpkin-spice lattes or hot cocoa at Perk Up will receive their beverages in sleeves carrying the message: “Love Shouldn’t Hurt: Domestic/Dating abuse can be physical, sexual, financial, or emotional.”
The campaign encourages students to use their coffee cups to start conversations about healthy relationships with peers, coworkers, friends and family.
If you or someone you know is experiencing dating or domestic abuse, USC Upstate offers support and confidential resources. Visit the Interpersonal Violence Resource page to learn more.
Additional resources:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788
- Project R.E.S.T. Hotline (local): 864-583-9803