EC Wisconsin News

Lakeland University will host its first Faculty Lecture focusing on intimate partner violence (IPV) as part of a new series designed to highlight faculty expertise and engage the community. The event, titled “Creating Safer Communities: Conversations on Intimate Partner Violence,” will be led by Assistant Professor of Communication Aimee Burns-Boisvert, Ph.D., on October 7 at Jake’s, A Lakeland Community in Sheboygan.

The lecture is open to the public at no cost and aims to help attendees recognize IPV and support survivors. It is co-sponsored by Lakeland University, Safe Harbor, and United Way of Sheboygan County.

Burns-Boisvert will discuss different forms of IPV, including psychological aggression, sexual abuse, physical violence, stalking, gaslighting, and coercion. According to national data, more than one in three women and one in four men in the United States have experienced some form of IPV during their lives.

Audience members will be encouraged to reflect on their role in preventing IPV and supporting recovery efforts. The event will also feature representatives from Elevate, Great Marriages, Safe Harbor, and United Way of Sheboygan County who will provide information about available resources for those affected by IPV.

Burns-Boisvert has experience teaching communication courses at Lakeland University and has worked as an advocate for domestic and sexual violence survivors. Her academic background includes a Ph.D. from Bowling Green State University with a focus on interpersonal communication and a graduate certificate in women, gender, and sexuality studies. Her dissertation explored how individuals make sense of identity and relationships after experiencing intimate partner violence.

This Faculty Lecture marks the beginning of a new series at Lakeland that gives faculty members an opportunity to share their knowledge with both the campus community and the public. The goal is to foster greater understanding of important social issues through these forums.