Sexual Assault Awareness Month begins with candlelight vigil

“Honoring the Strength of Survivors” is the theme of a candlelight vigil at 6 tonight, Thursday, April 1, on Library Mall that will begin Sexual Assault Awareness Month on the UW–Madison campus.

To raise awareness about sexual assault in the Madison area, and to provide information about prevention and survivor resources, activities have been planned throughout April by student organizations (primarily Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment and Men Making a Difference) and university departments.

In addition to the vigil, highlights include:

• Monday, April 12: African American storyteller Reanae McNeal performs at 7:30 p.m. at the Play Circle Theater in Memorial Union, discussing sexual assault and domestic violence in the context of race and gender.
• Thursday, April 15: A new documentary by student Jaime Gamez will be shown at 5 p.m. in the Red Gym, featuring men of color discussing sexual assault issues.
• Friday, April 23: Get Up, Climb Up! University Health Services and Adventure Learning Programs sponsor a climbing wall on Library Mall from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Proceeds from donations will go to the Dean of Students Crisis Fund, which is available to all students in financial crisis. The fund is often used to assist sexual assault survivors.
• Saturday, May 1: Take Back the Night rally on Library Mall at 6 p.m.

In addition, the students of PAVE will sponsor displays of the Silent Witness project at campus locations throughout the month, including Bascom Hill, Henry Mall and the College of Engineering mall.

The “silent witnesses” are wooden silhouettes with information about sexual assault. PAVE students will be on hand to provide additional information. They will also post sexual assault informational fliers on campus each Monday during April and provide teal-colored ribbons to promote sexual assault awareness.

A list of events can be found at the University Health Services Web site. All events are free and open to the public.

Additional events in the Dane County area are being planned by the Rape Crisis Center.