University of Mississippi Observes Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The University of Mississippi is actively participating in the nationwide observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April. With the goal of spreading awareness and providing support to sexual assault survivors, the student organization Rallying Against Sexual Assault (RASA) has put together a series of awareness and prevention events.
Alexis Pelton, a Graduate Assistant of prevention programming and co-advisor of RASA, spoke passionately about the importance of spreading sexual assault awareness. “It’s very important to get the message across to the entire campus that sexual assault is something that is happening here and everywhere,” Pelton emphasized. “It’s very important for us to spread the message that survivors are believed, survivors are supported, and there are outlets for people to go to if they need assistance.”
Rallying Against Sexual Assault’s Efforts
As per the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network statistics, around 13% of all graduate and undergraduate students experience sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation. The number significantly rises for undergraduate female students, with 26.4% reporting to have experienced sexual assault or rape.
RASA initiated an exhibition named “What were you wearing?“, designed to combat the misconception that clothing invites sexual violence. The exhibition took place on April 11 on the student union terrace. However, several significant events are lined up for the rest of the month to involve more students and raise awareness.
Take Back the Night
The annual “Take Back the Night” event is scheduled to happen at the Student Union Plaza on Tuesday, April 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Pelton stressed the importance of this annual event, saying, “Our most crucial event during Sexual Assault Awareness Month is Take Back the Night. We have a march, a speak-out wall for survivors to anonymously share their stories or messages, a resource fair, and speakers from around the campus.”
Denim Day – Fight Against Victim Blaming
Another highlight of the month’s events includes Denim Day which takes place on April 24, aiming to eliminate victim-blaming. This day was inspired by a sexual assault case in Italy, where the rape conviction was overturned because the victim was wearing tight jeans.
Healthy Relationships Workshop
In addition to these events, RASA will be hosting a Healthy Relationships Workshop on April 24 at 4 p.m. in Longstreet Hall, Room 102. This workshop aims to promote positive, respectful and meaningful relationships amongst attendees and provide tools to identify, prevent, and raise awareness of sexual assault.
Final Thoughts
Through these series of events, the University of Mississippi, along with RASA, hopes to not only raise awareness of the ongoing issue of sexual assaults on campuses but also provide support and resources to survivors. The overall aim is to create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all students.
