Edited and posted by Chad Rowell, COM 303
The comfort level of the “Berry Bubble” should be challenged during April 13-18 as campus organizations collaborate for Sexual Assault Awareness Week.
Sexual Assault Awareness Week is a student initiative with an aim to educate the campus through the events sponsored by various organizations on campus.
“The overall goal for the week is to make the campus more conducive to survivors feeling comfortable and supported and to combat ignorance at Berry,” said Erin Oakley, who has helped lead the week’s events.
Oakley, who has worked as an advocate for the Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia in Floyd County for two years, was involved in working with events associated with Sexual Assault Awareness Month last April. However, this year she wants to get more student involvement at Berry to bring greater awareness of the issue to the campus.
“Being aware of any issue challenges you to speak out about it,” said Miss Berry 2008 Caroline Gettis, who is also a volunteer at the Sexual Assault Center.
The events will begin Sunday night as Lambda Sigma sets up a pinwheel project in front of Krannert Student Center. The pinwheels will remain on display during the week.
Photo contributed by Lydia Fields
The pinwheels in front of Krannert Center recognize
survivors that the Sexual Assault Center has aided in
the past year.
·Monday - The women’s studies department and the Black Student Alliance are sponsoring a documentary about rape and race titled, “No!”
·Tuesday - A “Voices Ignored” panel, sponsored by Empower, will present survivor stories, statistics and the activist’s voice.
·Wednesday will include an interactive experiential program called “Walkin’ the Walk.” This program will put participants in groups and give them an identity, such as a survivor of sexual assault. From there, participants will make decisions in order to work through the scenario. It is an opportunity for survivors of sexual assault to feel understood and to provide resources, such as advocates from the Sexual Assault Center and counselors from Berry, to be available for debrief and questions.
·There will be a community wide event on Friday called “Speak Out in Rome.” It will be a chance to rally together to show support and learn even more about the topics from the week.
Gettis and Oakley said their hope is that the events earlier in the week will spark an interest and encourage people to come, as they said it will be a very powerful time. It will be held at the outdoor pavilion of the Rome Forum.
More Student Involvement
Sophomore Stephanie Carson is also getting involved with Sexual Assault Awareness Week, as she has put together an art exhibit that will be on display throughout the week.
“I always try to make strong statements with my art,” said Carson, adding that Oakley told her to be as bold and controversial as she wanted.
Carson put together a series with two viewpoints. The first portrays the painful side of sexual assault and incorporates real quotes from victims within the piece. The second, which she called a "resurrection series," counteracts the aspects of the first, with a more uplifting message.
Oakley and Gettis encourage students who want to make an impact to challenge attitudes in today's culture that often makes light of rape.
Gettis also stresses the importance of educating yourself and having a better understanding helps make the campus a better environment for survivors.
"You just can't go back to your ignorance. It snowballs," said Gettis.
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