On March 9, 2019, two panel discussions take place in the PMC Youth Chapel at Andrews University. The hosts for the panels are Tacyana Nixon and Ty Gibson (right) One of the panelists, Dr. Torben Berland (center), psychiatrist and psychotherapist, and associate director of Health Ministries at the General Conference, answers a question during the first session. [Photo by Jessica Condon]

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Rise Up Against Abuse Rally held at Andrews University

The first-ever event on the Adventist university campus launched a new initiative designed to help people use awareness, education, intervention, and prevention to take decisive actions against all forms of abuse.

North American Division (NAD)

[Michigan, USA] The first-ever Rise Up Against Abuse Rally was held on the campus of Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, from March 7-10, 2019. Sponsored by the Offices of University Health & Wellness and Diversity & Inclusion, this rally was the official launch of the new Rise Up Against Abuse initiative, designed to help people use awareness, education, intervention, and prevention to take decisive actions against all forms of abuse.

More than 225 people registered for the three-day rally, which featured numerous abuse survivors, advocates, and inspirational presenters, including two-time Grammy nominee Sarah Kelly and Emmy-winning writer and filmmaker Chris Silber.

Dominique Gummelt, director for University Health & Wellness and creator and co-founder of the initiative (along with Michael Nixon, vice president for Diversity & Inclusion), was thrilled with the success of the rally. She said, “People were empowered through knowledge and education, and they were comforted by hugs, prayers and words of encouragement.”

Reported by Hannah Gallant, with contributions from Nehemiah Sitler and Laura Fierce

Condensed from the full news report here,

https://news.adventist.org/en/all-news/news/go/2019-03-22/rise-up-against-abuse-rally-held-at-andrews-university/

Reported in Mosaic newsletter, 2019, Q2, Summer issue