One in three women are affected by domestic violence-related issues at least once in their lifetime, and it’s a big problem on college campuses, according to a volunteer at Endicott’s SOS Shelter.

“The truth is anyone can be a victim,” Nicole D’avino, a volunteer at the SOS shelter, said.

Dating violence and emotional abuse are behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control the other, she added.

According to Beth Riley, coordinator of sexual assault programs at Binghamton University’s Counseling Center, there has also been an increase in domestic violence reports on campus.

However, Riley said she couldn’t be sure if the number of incidents was increasing, or if the University police are coding them differently. Police could not be reached for comment.

The most common form of domestic violence reported on campus is physical assault, Riley said. Rapes and verbal assault aren’t often reported on campus.

“There might be a fear among students, that they wouldn’t be believed, or a fear of reprisal by the assailant,” she said. “There are a whole body of incidents that don’t get reported.”

Many college students, D’avino said, are affected by non-physical violence as well, which include jealousy and control.

Stalking incidents, Riley said, have also increased on campus. Many stalking incidents stem from domestic violence cases.

In a survey conducted at BU in November about incidents of stalking on campus, 25 percent of students who answered a specific question said they knew of students who have experienced stalking at the University.

Bridget Condon, the co-public relations officer at the Women’s Student Union, said domestic violence is usually seen but not heard.

“There isn’t one common understanding of what it is, how it happens, who it happens to or when you should get help,” she said.

D’avino said the issue is also somewhat taboo.

“No one likes to talk about it,” she said. “But meanwhile studies show that one in three women are affected by DV-related issues at least once in their lifetime.”

One big misconception about domestic violence is that it’s only physical, D’avino said.

Condon agreed.

“Some students think you need a bruise, stitches or a broken wrist or rib to have been a victim of domestic violence, but this is not true,” she said. “I think any time you feel threatened by or fear your significant other, you have been a victim of domestic violence.”

Signs of dating violence, D’avino said, include name calling, criticism, jealousy, possessiveness, using anger or threats to get demands, controlling another’s actions and committing acts of physical violence.

Most times, D’avino said, people think victims are only of poor economic status and/or minorities.

“Victims can be of any age, sex, race, culture, religion, education, employment or marital status,” she said.

There have been incidents of DV on campus where a girlfriend starts yelling and hitting a boyfriend, according to Riley.

“Guys are shy about reporting them because the stigma associated with it,” she said. “Men are expected to be able to take care of themselves, so they are less apt to come forward.”

We are trying to get out the message that both men and women deserve the same opportunities for assistance, Riley said.

“Everyone affected deserves help,” she said.

For assistance with a domestic violence issue, make an appointment for a consultation or ongoing therapy at the University Counseling Center. Students can also call the crisis line of the Crime Victims Assistance Center at (607) 722-4256 or the SOS Shelter at (607) 754-4340.