Sexual Assault Awareness Month

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — STAR Central and the RESPECT program will sponsor and lead a number of educational and awareness events during the month of April to address and speak out against sexual assault and violence — particularly violence against women.

STAR Central, an office in the Pat Walker Health Center for Support, Training, Advocacy and Resources on Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence, was developed in 1998 and has been addressing the issues of sexual assault and relationship violence through the provision of awareness campaigns, education programs and victim advocacy services. A STAR Central program called Rape Education Services by Peers Encouraging Conscious Thought, better known by its acronym, RESPECT, began in 2000 as a way to further reach out to university students through the use of peer education. RESPECT provides interactive, educational programs by college students for college students.

Leading into the month-long agenda in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this year’s nationally encouraged event by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center is to host a film screening of the documentary “No! Confronting Sexual Assault in Our Community.” The campus premier will be cohosted by RESPECT, University Programs, the Multicultural Center, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Gamma Eta, the Student African-American Brotherhood, Delta Sigma Theta, the Black Student Association, and Students Advocating for a Strong Sisterhood at 4 p.m. April 5 in the Poultry Science Auditorium. The full-length documentary focuses on rape within the African American community, but undoubtedly facilitates important discussion and support for women and men regardless of race. Additional viewings will be held at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on April 9-10 at the Arkansas Union Theater, as well as at 11:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on April 13.

A presentation titled “Life Beyond Rape: Survivor Stories” will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 12, in Pat Walker Health Center Room 283. Survivors of sexual assault will share their stories as an inspiration that there is life after rape and to dispel myths associated with victim-blaming. This presentation will be cosponsored by the Sexual Assault Recovery and Prevention Agency.

An exhibit, “The Survivors’ Wall,” will be on display at the Multicultural Center on April 9-12, the Northwest Quadrangle on April 16-20, and the Pat Walker Health Center on April 23-27. This compelling exhibit will feature stories and messages from survivors of sexual assault presented as a powerful and moving display of courage from those willing to speak out.

“No Witness: Exploring the Issues of Date Rape” is an interactive mock rape trial to be held in its seventh year on campus at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, in Law School Room 240. As the scenario unfolds through a presentation of a court trial, the audience is challenged to consider all aspects of the case and whether the defendant should be found guilty or not guilty. A jury is pulled from the audience and while they deliberate, discussion is facilitated with the audience as rape myths are dispelled and risk reduction strategies are explored. The result of the trial and the defendant’s faith will be known after the jury comes back with its verdict that evening.

In its sixth year, “The Campus Clothesline Project” will be on display from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily April 23-27 on the mall between the Arkansas Union and Mullins Library. Beginning in 2001 with 80 T-shirts donated and decorated by university students, staff and faculty with messages of hope and support, risk reduction strategies, awareness facts, and messages from survivors, “The Campus Clothesline Project” has grown into a powerfully emotional exhibit that will feature more than 1,500 T-shirts hanging as a unified voice against sexual assault and relationship violence.

As the culmination of the month, the fifth annual Northwest Arkansas Take Back the Night March will be held on Friday, April 27. Gathering will begin at the Arvest Plaza on the Fayetteville Square with opening remarks at 7 p.m. by Fayetteville Mayor Dan Coody, who will read a proclamation. Participants will march to the University of Arkansas via East Avenue, Dickson Street, and up through the lawn of Old Main to the regathering place on the mall between the Arkansas Union and Mullins Library. At the regathering, a candlelight vigil will be held in remembrance and honor of the survivors of sexual and relationship violence. Additionally, inspirational words and songs along with a speak-out will occur to allow all to have a voice in unity against violence against women. The Campus Clothesline Project will remain on display Friday evening for participants to view after the march. Working with University Programs, all are invited to join activities of Friday Night Live afterward at the Arkansas Union.

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact Dr. Mary A. Wyandt-Hiebert at (479) 575-7252 or visit http://respect.uark.edu. Members of the STAR Central Office and RESPECT are dedicated to the dream of a day when sexual and relationship violence no longer exist.