Campus events aim to raise awareness of sexual violence

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Throughout April the University of Oregon will play host to events, activities and speakers with the shared goal of raising awareness about sexual violence.

Organized in part by the Office of the Dean of Students, Sexual Assault Awareness Month brings together UO departments and off-campus partners to educate the community and to show support for survivors of sexual violence.

HELP FOR STUDENTS IN CRISIS

Assistance is available year-round through the Crisis Intervention and Sexual Violence Support Services Program.

“We support students who have experienced any sex- or gender-based violence or harassment,” said Jessica Haymaker-Parsons, director of the program. This includes helping students take steps to feel safe and connecting them with legal services if desired.

The office also works with students experiencing general crisis, such as the loss of a loved one or some form of mental crisis.

“Any kind of trauma can have an impact on a student’s academic success,” she said, adding that crisis support services are confidential.

Crisis response staff offer drop-in hours every business day from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in Oregon Hall, Suite 185.

“We still live in a society that will try to silence, shame and punish survivors for the harm that happened to them,” said Rituparna Roy, assistant director of sexual violence prevention and education. “If there’s any takeaways from a SAAM event, it is a reminder to believe survivors and to know the resources to provide them.

“Pushing beyond that, we want this month to be a time where we can engage our campus community around honest conversations around sex, sexuality and healthy relationships,” she said.

Author Sohaila Abdulali will come to Eugene for two talks about her latest book, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Rape,” in which she examines the global conversation on sexual violence from her own perspective as a survivor, writer and former counselor. Her talk April 17 at the Eugene Public Library will be repeated April 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. in Straub Hall.

Student-driven events include “Solutions for #MeToo in Oregon,” a discussion presented by UO journalism students April 8. On April 15, Sexy Sundaes, complete with free ice cream, will examine the topic of consent.

The event-filled month closes with Take Back the Night on April 25, which begins with a rally in the EMU amphitheater. Co-sponsored by the UO Women’s Center and Lane County Sexual Assault Support Services, a march will then proceed to downtown Eugene for a speak-out.

Crisis support staff will be available at many of the events, including Take Back the Night, explained Jessica Haymaker-Parsons, director of crisis intervention and sexual violence support services.

“Our program is partnering with Lane County SASS, so there will be advocates and confidential support present at any events that might be triggering or activating for a survivor,” said Haymaker-Parsons.

If students would like to talk with a confidential staff member away from the events, they can contact the University Counseling Center, Crisis Intervention and Sexual Violence Support Services or call the 24-hour hotline at 541-346-SAFE.

Restorative spaces also are available on campus, including the Women’s Center and the Duck Nest Wellness Center, for students in need of a quiet space.

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