In an effort to increase awareness of sexual assault on campus, the Women's Center will begin Sexual Assault Prevention Week Monday. Organizers hope to make students aware of local resources for violence victims and provide an opportunity for survivors to speak out about their experiences and healing processes.
Sexual Assault Support Services Coordinator Jean Leonard is spearheading the week-long project, which features marches, demonstrations, speakers, self-defense classes and campus tabling. Leonard said she plans on a high turnout from students and faculty in light of increased reports of sexual assault this year, including one on East Campus in January.
"We're hoping because so many people have wanted the opportunity to make this issue more visible that people will follow through and come out and participate," Leonard said, adding that more than 40 students have participated thus far in the planning--an increase over past years.
"When we ask people sort of, OWhy are you here?' a large majority of students said that it had something to do with having their own awareness increased in the past couple months," Leonard said.
This year, the week will emphasize access to Duke psychological and support services for assault victims, Leonard said. In addition to the Women's Center, there are a host of other local support services, including Counseling and Psychological Services, the Duke University Police Department, the Durham Crisis Response Center and Student Health Services.
Leonard said she hopes publicizing such services will encourage victims to report sexual and gender-related violence.
"We want to offer survivors in the Duke community an opportunity to speak out, to feel supported and to feel empowered in their own healing process," Leonard said.
As part of the empowerment process, the week's events will offer the opportunity for students to tie purple ribbons to fences on the Chapel Quadrangle in honor of victims and survivors of sexual violence. Students who tie a ribbon will be able to post comments about sexual violence on an "I Tied a Ribbon" board.
Main West Quadrangle will feature the Clothesline Project--a national initiative that allows victims and friends of victims to display T-shirts made to honor victims of sexual assault. The Women's Center will also host a T-shirt making workshop Tuesday.
In addition to the purple ribbons, Leonard said white ribbons will be given to men, who will be encouraged to sign a pledge card against sexual violence.
"It doesn't say that you're the perfect guy, but it says that you won't remain silent about any acts of violence committed," said sophomore and student organizer Brooke Palmer, adding that many events this year are directed toward men.
For example, Wednesday's keynote address will be delivered by national spokesperson for the National Organization for Men Against Sexism, Michael Kimmel.
"The keynote speaker shows what a big part men can play in it," Palmer said. The week will culminate in a "Take Back the Night" march Thursday night, which will begin on East Campus in front of the Marketplace and end on the Chapel quad. Survivors and friends of survivors will be encouraged to participate in an informal speak-out in front of the Chapel.
"That's not organized. People get up if they feel they need to," Palmer said. "Usually people don't have things written or planned. It's just kind of what you want to say at the time."
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