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Sexual assault awareness month

April 1, 2005 By Jonathan Zarov

Ending sexual violence can no longer be seen as the sole responsibility of survivors – it is a problem that affects everyone’s workplaces, relationships and equality.

That is the major message of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which runs throughout April with a series of events across campus and all of Dane County.

“We must all take responsibility for getting consent from sexual partners, standing up to language and images that degrade women and children, and being more than just concerned bystanders,” says Carmen Hotvedt, violence prevention specialist with University Health Services.

“Everyone can work to end sexual violence,” she adds.

April events include a casino night fund-raising event benefiting the Dane County Rape Crisis Center, a rally featuring Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton and a climbing wall encouraging students to “Get Up, Climb Up!” to end sexual violence. Teal ribbons will be available throughout the campus and community for people to wear in support of ending sexual violence.

PAVE (Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment) is a student organization that works to educate the UW–Madison campus about sexual violence.

“Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a crucial step to raise visibility about the issue,” says Nama Singh, PAVE chair. “Participating in upcoming events is a great way for everyone to show their support. But it is important to realize that this issue is pervasive every month, year-round.”

A listing of events follows. Unless otherwise noted, events are free. For the most up-to-date listing, visit University Health Services’s Web site.

  • Friday, April 1. Casino Night fund-raising event to benefit the Dane County Rape Crisis Center. Play poker, roulette and blackjack to win prizes. 7-11 p.m., Upper Carson Gulley Commons (across the circle from Tripp Hall), $5, (608) 262-0444. Sponsored by Liz Waters Residence Hall.
  • Tuesday, April 5. Dr. Anna Salter, a nationally acclaimed researcher on sexual predators and children, will help parents and professionals learn about sex offenders and how they can keep children safe from predators. Noon-1:30 p.m., Exhibition Hall in the Alliant Energy Center, rsvpsalter@hotmail.com. Sponsored by the Dane County Coordinated Community Response to Sexual Assault.
  • Thursday, April 7. Jamie Gamez, a UW–Madison student and PAVE staff member, produced a documentary in 2004 about men, race and sexual assault. This year, he turns his attention to women on the UW–Madison campus to hear about their experiences and reflections on identity and sexual assault. 7 p.m., Red Gym, Second Floor Lounge.
  • Thursday, April 14. Students are welcome to join the regularly scheduled Big Gay Social Hour. Topics of discussion for the evening include dating in the LGBT community, sexual assault and healthy relationships. 7 p.m., Campus Women’s Center, Memorial Union, Third Floor.
  • Saturday, April 16. Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton will speak at Dane County’s 21st annual Take Back the Night Rally and March. The rally begins at 7 p.m. on the Capitol steps (State Street side) and will conclude on Library Mall with a vigil-speakout. (608) 250-2567.
  • Monday, April 18. Jackson Katz is one of America’s leading anti-sexist male activists. He is widely recognized for his groundbreaking work in the field of gender-violence prevention education with men and boys, particularly in the sports culture and the military. 7 p.m., Edgewood College, Anderson Auditorium. Free transportation is provided for UW–Madison students to and from this event, starting at 5:30 p.m. Call 265-5966 to register.
  • Wednesday, April 20. St. Marys Hospital hosts a daylong reflection/candlelight vigil for healing. St. Marys is opening its chapel and inviting members of the Dane County community to light a candle to honor survivors and caregivers. 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 21. Chimera Self Defense Workshop emphasizes avoidance of violence and teaches psychological and physical protection skills. 7 p.m., Gordon Commons.
  • Friday, April 22. Sex Out Loud’s Sexual Health Festival, including the “Get Up, Climb Up!” to end sexual violence climbing wall (sponsored by University Health Services). Recognizing that consent is part of safer sex, the event urges students to educate themselves, have fun and celebrate violence-free relationships by climbing a portable wall to benefit the Offices of Dean of Students Crisis Loan Fund. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Library Mall. $1 to climb the wall.

Additional events in the Dane County area are being coordinated by the Rape Crisis Center, a free and confidential service provider for survivors (and families/friends) of all forms of sexual violence. (608) 251-5126.

For more information on sexual assault support and prevention resources on the UW–Madison campus, visit University Health Services or call (608) 265-5966.