By Briana K. Stewart, Staff Writer

The term “wife beater” has many meanings. For some, the slang term is common vernacular used to describe a white tank top, but to many, including the Sisters of Omega Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, it is a violent term used to describe those who are responsible for killing and hurting thousands of domestic violence victims across the country.

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Omega Phi Beta hosted the third annual event, “This is Not a Wife Beater,” on October 8, to spread domestic violence awareness, and to challenge students to be more conscious and civically engaged. 

During the event, the Sisters presented the audience with a brief history of the term. According to their presentation, initially, the term “wife beater” had a negative connotation used to describe a domestic violence abuser. However, the term received its controversial nickname when famous movies such as “Raging Bull” and “A Streetcar Named Desire,” displayed men abusing their wives while wearing white tank tops. The sisters further explained that after the term was adopted into common vernacular, it is commonly used today, even in fashion and celebrity teen magazines such as “Seventeen” and OK Magazine.

“Society has become so desensitized to this word, that we don’t even realize the significance or the connotation,” the Programming Chair of Omega Phi Beta, Rosanne Requeiro said.

Charlene Stokes, a junior who attended the event said she is personal experience with this term. “I feel disgusted when I hear the word,” says Stokes.  “It should not be used. I remember the times when my mother went through the abuse. People don’t realize who they are affecting and should respect the feelings of others. “

According to the Sisters of Omega Phi Beta, in order for people to realize how others are affected by this term, they must be aware. “This is not just an event this is a movement,” said Vice President Chelsea Chez. This event started in 2006 and is now spreading nationwide. “We are in the midst of making this program a national program,” said Chez.  “In that same year after our chapter, Lambda, held the first program, a lot of other chapters started doing it as well.”

Paulette Frederique, the Director of Community Service on the National Council of Officers for Omega Phi Beta said that “since this event received such positive feedback, we are looking to bring it to others in order to spread awareness.”

The event influenced many students who wouldn’t otherwise be aware. 

“I never understood the significance of the term, but after the program, I made a vow to use not it,” said senior Gabriel Vega.

Chez says the results created by the event, leaves her sorority feeling humbled and honored. ” I see the fruition of our efforts, said Chez. “This truly is effective. It only starts with one to influence another.”

Wife beaters made for domestic violence awareness (David Gordon/The Chronicle)