As summer approaches, many students are preparing to leave campus - but some groups still are preparing to keep students safe.
To honor survivors and unite supporters of sexual assault prevention, April is deemed Sexual Assault Awareness Month and is dedicated to raising awareness of violence against women.
Thirty-five of every 1,000 women on a college campus will experience complete or attempted rape during a school year, a December 2000 study by the U.S. Justice Department’s National Institute of Justice and Bureau of Justice Statistics said.
Men and women will participate in Take Back the Night this month with several events designed to empower women and demand safer streets.
A candlelight vigil, marches, discussions and other events are planned this year by The Listening Ear, 1017 E. Grand River Ave., to commemorate the month.
“It’s important to have events like this so people walk away with heightened awareness that sex and rape are a reality for all of us,” said Alyssa Baumann, sexual assault counselor for The Listening Ear. “It helps women gain a sense of empowerment. It shows people who have been personally impacted by sexual assault they are not alone and it’s not their faults.”
Take Back the Night is an international tradition that cities have participated in since 1973.
Jim Hines, administrative coordinator for The Listening Ear’s Sexual Assault Counseling program, said it’s important for men, as well as women, to participate in activities that will help end rape and sexual assault.
Hines said about one in seven men are raped once in their lifetime.
“Not all men are rapists,” said Hines, who is a member of Men’s Forum, a student organization that discusses how to end rape and sexual violence. “But when we as men say that rape doesn’t affect us, when we dismiss it as a ‘women’s issue,’ we allow rape to continue.”
Hines said rape is the most underreported violent crime. The majority of rapes are committed by a friend, family member or romantic partner, he said.
ASMSU Women’s Council member Tanya Palit is advocating an acquaintance rape education program for first-year students. The MSU police reported seven instances of sexual assault in 1998, five in 1999 and three in 2000.
Palit said sexual assault is devastating for anyone, but it is especially traumatic for college freshmen.
“Rape statistics are high and most of it occurs within the first six months on campus,” she said. “It impacts someone emotionally and physically. It can even change your life.
“The first semester in college is unique and something people aren’t used to. There are no parents, more alcohol and it’s more likely to happen.”
MSU police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor said it’s important for people to be aware of their surroundings so they can maintain their safety.
“Students should always walk on campus in well-lit areas, not walk outside at night by themselves and utilize services available on campus, like the buddy system,” McGlothian-Taylor said. “Although they live within a residence hall setting, they still need to make certain they keep their doors locked and not prop doors open. That’s like inviting someone into your home.”
