STAR Central and RESPECT Program Announce Events for 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. As a program of STAR Central, 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, a presentation titled “Life Beyond Rape: Survivor Stories” will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 6, in Arkansas Union Room 512. 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 Northwest Arkansas Rape Crisis.

During the dates of April 10-28, an exhibit, “The Survivors’ Wall,” will be on display at the Multicultural Center in the Arkansas Union. 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.

This year’s nationally encouraged event by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center is to hold a poetry slam to raise awareness of the issue of sexual assault and to get the community involved. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, a Poetry Slam will be hosted at the RZ Coffee House in the Arkansas Union. Nationally recognized poet, Andrea Gibson, will be the featured poet this evening. Gibson is an activist and poet known for highlighting issues such as patriarchy and gender norms. The Poetry Slam will be co-sponsored by RESPECT, University Programs Coffeehouse Committee, PRIDE, and Peace at Home Family Shelter.

“No Witness: Exploring the Issues of Date Rape” is an interactive mock rape trial to be held in its sixth year on campus at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, in Law School Room 113. 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 on that evening.

In its fifth year, “The Campus Clothesline Project” will be on display from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily April 24-28 in the courtyard 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 1,000 T-shirts hanging as a unified voice against sexual assault and relationship violence.

As the culmination of the month, the fourth annual Northwest Arkansas Take Back the Night March will be held on Friday, April 28. 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 in the courtyard between the Arkansas Union and Mullins Library. At the regathering, a candlelight vigil will be held in remembrance of and honoring 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 as we unify against violence against women. The Campus Clothesline Project will remain on display this evening for participants to view after the march. Working with University Programs, all are invited to join activities of Friday Night Live afterwards at the Arkansas Union.

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact Dr. Mary A. Wyandt-Hiebert at (479) 575-7252. The STAR Central Office and R.E.S.P.E.C.T. are dedicated to and dream of a day when sexual and relationship violence no longer exist.