By Tiffany Brown, The Vista Staff Writer

At 11 a.m. on Nov. 18 around Broncho Lake, the reigning Miss Black University of Central Oklahoma Nikki Webber collected donations to support domestic violence victims.

Webber hosted a living statistic event for the platform she began while competing in the Miss Black UCO pageant.

“My platform is entitled F.A.I.T.H. (Facing Abuse with Inspirational Teaching and Healing) and with this platform I am bringing awareness to the overall occurrence of dating and domestic violence,” Webber said in an e-mail.

“I chose this platform because it is very near and dear to my heart. In 2007 alone, the United States (spent) $6.7 billion in cases directly related to domestic violence,” Webber said.

“Domestic/dating violence is something that has always been around but hardly ever addressed until recent incidents in the media such as the Chris Brown and Rihanna situation.”

Webber continued to explain why she has become an advocate for victims of domestic violence.

“Despite this night gone bad made public, I was once a part of the gruesome statistic stating ‘1 in 4 women will experience some form of domestic violence in their lifetime,’” Webber said.

“After receiving the help and education I needed, I felt as though it was my duty to help others that had ever been through or are going through what I have so frightfully experienced.

“Domestic violence causes far more pain than the visible marks of bruises and scars and affects more than those directly involved,” she said.

“This is something that should not be overlooked no matter the current issues within our nation,” Webber said.

This year’s Miss Black UCO contestants also participated.

“As a part of my community service, the new contestants for the Miss Black UCO 2010 pageant will be helping me to do a living statistic program.” Webber said.

The living statistic program showed visuals of the negative impact of domestic violence.

“Some girls [had] shirts with various quotes related to domestic violence on them and they … also [had] painted black eyes or even tape across their mouth,” Webber said.

The students stood as a symbol of the many domestic violence victims.

“I believe that no one can truly understand nor can they empathize with a victim until they too have experienced it first hand,” Webber said.

“Being a victim in a situation such as this, one is afraid and does not know exactly what to do or who to inform when things first occur.

“By placing events and opportunities such as this on our campuses, it will allow the current and future victims a chance to note that there is someone here to help them through it and they are not alone,” she said.

“I would like to encourage all who can donate to do so with an open mind and an open heart,” Webber said.

“Domestic/dating violence not only affects women, but men and small children as well. Please keep in mind that the person sitting right next to you in class or even a staff/faculty member could be a victim as well.”

“Show them your support. Speak up and help us make our campus aware of such an inhumane issue,” she said.

All items collected were donated to YWCA.