What is Sexual Assault?Sexual assault happens when you are forced into sexual contact against your will. It may be called by a variety of names includingrape, incest, molestation, sexual violence, marital rape, date rape, or others . Sexual assault can happen to anyone, at anytime, anywhere. Likewise, perpetrators of sexual assault can be anyone; an acquaintance, date, relative, stranger, friend, spouse, etc. Sexual assault is a crime of power, not lust, done to hurt and humiliate the victim.
Programs to Help Raise Awareness
B.E. S.A.F.E. Week :
This week in September is devoted to educating, preventing, and raising awareness about sexual assault. Activities that have occurred in the past during the week include the Clothesline Project, a mock rape trial, a panel discussion, and a candlelight march.
Take Back the Night:
A time for women and men to take a stand against sexual assault through attendance, song, dance or speech. This program is one of the cornerstones of the annual B.E. S.A.F.E. Week. This is followed by a candlelight march across campus to symbolize the effort to free the community from the fear of walking alone at night.
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Clothesline Project:
This is a visual display that bears witness to the violence against women and girls. Victims of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and domestic violence who are willing decorate shirts to raise awareness about the impact of abuse.