Sexual Assault Awareness week raises consciousness
This year’s theme is “It’s Time… To Get Involved.” The highlight of the week is an event called “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes,” which will take place in Spadoni Park at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 7. Each male participant will be sponsored by a female “blister sister,” who will assist him in walking through a mile-long obstacle course in high heel shoes. The purpose of this event is to give men a sense of empathy for the female experience. The walk is sponsored by the University’s Counseling Services and the Campus Assault Resource and Education Support (C.A.R.E.S.) Coalition.
Other Sexual Assault Awareness Week events include:
Monday, April 4
* Clothesline Project T-shirt-making, to be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day on Prince Lawn. Students will create T-shirts with statements supporting victims of sexual abuse. The shirts will then be hung on clotheslines around campus and displayed throughout the week.
Tuesday, April 5
* A National Day of Action will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Prince Lawn. A giant banner will be unfurled, and students will have the opportunity to write a personal message or vow to speak out against sexual assault. Students, faculty and staff will also take turns ringing a bell every two minutes, which will signify that a sexual assault occurs in the United States every two minutes.
* A sexual assault forum will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Edwards Recital Hall. The student-led forum will address sexual abuse and assault issues.
Wednesday, April 6
* Students Fight Back will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Wheelwright Auditorium. The program is designed to help students feel empowered against violence that can occur on a college campus.
Thursday, April 7
* Walk A Mile In Her Shoes will begin at 4:30 p.m. in Spadoni Park Circle.
For more information on Sexual Assault Awareness Week, contact Sean Pierce in Counseling Services at 843-349-2305.