Sexual Assault Awareness Month to Include Readings, Programs, 'Survivors' Wall'

Photo Submitted

Participants in the Take Back the Night March in 2009 on Dickson Street.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Sexual Assault Awareness Month this year gets started a day early with a new ceremony, the “Bows of Silence,” at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 31. Several events will be held during the month of April, culminating in the eighth annual Take Back the Night March on Friday, April 23.

The “Bows of Silence” event will feature remarks from Chancellor G. David Gearhart; Parice Bowser, the director of Greek Life; Mattie Bookhout, president of Associated Student Government; and Meghan Ness, president of Residence Interhall Congress. After brief presentations by the event’s featured speakers, Gearhart will lead participants in tying a teal bow to one of the trees surrounding the Peace Fountain. Participants will be asked to join by tying teal ribbons and, for those who wish, they may openly state why they are tying the ribbon. The teal ribbons will remain tied to the trees throughout April as a silent reminder of the silent epidemic of sexual violence.

STAR Central and RESPECT, an acronym for Rape Education Services by Peers Encouraging Conscious Thought, 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, 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.

A poetry slam and dramatic readings will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, at RZ’s cafe in the Arkansas Union. Members of RESPECT will share selected works that bring greater awareness to the issue of sexual violence and violence against women. Those in attendance will be invited to share their works as well.

 A presentation titled “Life Beyond Rape: Survivor Stories” will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 8, in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building, Room 103. 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 Sexual Assault Recovery and Prevention Agency.

An exhibit, “The Survivors’ Wall,” will be on display at the Mullins Library on April 5-9, in the Multicultural Center on April 12-16, in the Northwest Quads on April 19-23, and at the Pat Walker Health Center on April 26-30. 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 10th year on campus at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, in the Leflar Law Center, 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 on that evening.

New to this year’s events, “The Fourth Flag Project” will be on display daily April 19-23 in the courtyard between the Arkansas Union and Mullins Library. Spring 2010 enrollment statistics indicate that 9,201 women are enrolled at the University of Arkansas. Nationally, 1 in 4 college women are sexually assaulted. This revealing display will have 2,300 small flags on exhibit to represent every fourth female student on campus. The flags boldly state, “1 in 4 no more.”

This year marks the fifth annual Dress Down to Raise Awareness Day to be held on Friday, April 23. As a way for area businesses and organizations to raise awareness within the workplace, participants of this event pay $10 and receive a glow-in-the-dark T-shirt to wear with their jeans or khakis to work for the day. For more information, e-mail respect@uark.edu or calling 479-575-7252.

The culmination of the month, the eighth annual Northwest Arkansas Take Back the Night March, will be held on Friday, April 23. Gathering will begin at the Arvest Plaza on the Fayetteville Square with opening remarks at 7 p.m. and a proclamation from the Fayetteville mayor's office to be delivered by Lindsley Smith, communication and volunteer services director. 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 Fourth Flag 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 Mary A. Wyandt-Hiebert at 479-575-7252 or visit the RESPECT Web site. The STAR Central Office and RESPECT are dedicated to a day when sexual and relationship violence no longer exist.