College of Education and Human Services students highlight the importance of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

 

MURRAY, Ky. – In April, the College of Education and Human Services (COEHS) at Murray State University was filled with numerous events as the campus prepared to wrap up another busy, successful semester. It was a month of excitement and anticipation upon approaching graduation time and summer break.

However, people may not know that April is also Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). This year, COEHS faculty member, Dr. Stephanie Ford, stepped up to educate her students on what SAAPM represents, the resources available for survivors and how to provide awareness on and off campus.

Ford teaches the Middle School Education Program within the Adolescent, Career and Technical Education (ACS) Department. One of the first steps she did was contact Lotus, Kentucky’s regional children’s advocacy and sexual assault center serving all eight counties of the Purchase Area.

“Being able to collaborate with Lotus during their ‘Turn it Teal & Blue Campaign’ in April was such a positive and unique opportunity to raise awareness for SAAPM,” said Ford. “As both a Lotus board member and an assistant professor at Murray State, I was in a unique position to integrate these two roles and encourage my students as well as my colleagues to get involved in creating a safe space to show that we support survivors.”

Lori Wells Brown, the Chief Executive Officer for the Lotus Sexual Assault Center shared how Lotus would like to express their gratitude to Murray State and the College of Education and Human Services for their efforts in raising awareness for Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month by turning the University campus teal and blue during the month of April.

“Sexual assault on college campuses is a serious concern nationwide,” said Brown, “and it is imperative that we work together to address this issue. SAAPM serves as a valuable opportunity to emphasize the importance of ongoing awareness and prevention education within the college community. The attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that individuals develop regarding sexual identity during their college years can have a lasting impact. While SAAPM is recognized annually in April, Lotus applauds Murray State University for their commitment to educating students, staff and faculty on the importance of sexual awareness throughout the academic year.”

Among other events, Ford’s students shared blue and teal drinks and snacks, ribbons, Lotus stickers and pamphlets in the atrium of Alexander Hall on April 9 to create an opportunity for staff and students to chat informally and share their experiences of participating in the “Turn it Teal and Blue” activities.

“I am so grateful for having the opportunity to engage in this collaboration with Dr. Ford and Lotus,” said student Kenley Luksic. “I have learned so much about the importance of SAAPM and available resources that I will be able to bring with me into my own classroom when I become a teacher.”

“This initiative fostered camaraderie and reinforced the importance of supporting each other in raising awareness for sexual assault and child abuse prevention,” said Ford. “I am looking forward to this collaborative opportunity again next year as we continue to strive to bring awareness, education and support to our Murray State community.”

Lotus offers a 24-hour helpline at 1-800-928-7273 and can connect individuals to a variety of important resources and services.