Fourteen students marched silently around the north side of campus Sunday afternoon to promote awareness and voice their concerns about the issue of domestic violence.

The march was organized by Volunteer Illini Projects (VIP) in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Community organizations and student organizations, including VIP, have been planning domestic violence awareness events throughout October.

Monica Natarajan, the urban development chair of VIP and a junior in LAS, organized the march. She said she thinks it is important for students and members of the community to know that domestic violence is common.

"There is domestic violence going on all the time, but people are completely unaware of it because families who are experiencing it often don't vocalize the issue," Natarjan said. "My goal is just to turn a few heads and let people know that this is going on around them every day."

Suleman Chaudry, a sophomore in LAS, agreed.

"Even if we can just raise a few eyebrows, we can raise support for this cause," Chaudry said. "Many people aren't even aware that this is a problem."

Junior in business Sagar Upadhyaya said he came to the march to learn more about the issue.

"I really don't know much about domestic violence, but I think it's important to try to stop it," Upadhyaya said. "It's a universal issue, but not one people are comfortable talking about."

Amy Fang, a junior in LAS, said she wanted to encourage female students on campus to report incidents of abuse.

"Domestic violence is really common, especially among women, but many are embarrassed to report it," Fang said. "Maybe by marching we can let them know that they are safe in telling someone."

The group left the Union at 12:15 p.m. and marched down Green Street to Lincoln Avenue, north on Lincoln to Springfield Avenue, west on Springfield to Wright Street and then south on Wright to return to the union for a domestic violence awareness fair at 1 p.m., where students listened to speakers and discussed the issue.

Students can become more involved in domestic violence awareness through volunteering at A Woman's Place or the Rape Crisis Center in Champaign, as well as getting involved in the University's Campus Acquaintance Rape Education (CARE) program.

Natarajan said she hopes families throughout Champaign and Urbana will feel more willing to seek help.

"I think it's great that we can spread the word and I hope that now people will communicate more openly about their experiences," Natarajan said.