For Wright State students in difficult or dangerous situations, there is someone on campus who can help: Corrie Pleska, the new survivor advocate and case manager for Wright State University.
Having joined at the start of fall semester, Pleska aims to provide support services to students who are victims of power-based violence such as domestic violence and sexual assault.
Pleska began her journey as an advocate by receiving her bachelor’s degree in communication with a minor in women, gender and sexuality studies from the University of Cincinnati.
She originally set her sights for Temple University for graduate school, however, Wright State beckoned in a different way thanks to the program’s former chairman.
“I came here and met with Dr. Brun, [former chairman of the social work department at Wright State]. I wanted to get into a mentorship program and not be seen as a number. He sold it for me. He helped me even after he left for a different position on campus,” said Pleska.
While in the Social Work Program at Wright State, Pleska earned firsthand experience working with Greene County law enforcement, survivors and perpetrators of domestic violence through the Domestic Violence Intervention Program. Working in the program helped inform and shape her abilities as a social worker, which at times was difficult, especially when working with perpetrators of domestic violence
“It is hard to work with people that do that to other people. I would go from being on the phone with someone and later that evening be in this group for perpetrators. It is really hard to switch back and forth between those populations,” Pleska said.
However, Pleska’s desire to help support survivors has kept her on the path. Having graduated with a master’s in social work and licensed as a social worker, Pleska is eager to help survivors get the help that they need.
When asked why she wanted to work with the college student population at Wright State, Pleska talked about the hope she sees in working with students.
“This age group is just phenomenal, because you guys are exciting and full of knowledge and I love working within the school environment,” said Pleska.
Pleska also spoke about her long-term goals as student survivor advocate.
“I want to change the culture surrounding power-based violence on this campus. I want this to be a place for student survivors to feel safe, and that they are believed and supported,” Pleska added.
Students can contact Pleska through her 24-hour number, 937-775-2727, or at corrie.pleska@wright.edu. Her office is located at 022 Student Union.
She has a support group that meets every Tuesday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Pioneer Room.
