Guest Post: Health Focus - Sexual Assault Awareness Month

 

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month!

According to national statistics, 1 in 5 female college students will experience sexual assault during her college career. If that isn’t a women’s health issue, I don’t know what is!

Did you know that 75% of sexual assault victims knew their assailant prior to the assault?

Did you know that 70% of sexual assaults involve the use of alcohol?

Did you know that no one can give consent for sex if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs?

Consent must be freely given and communicated clearly!

Many times, victims blame themselves for the assault, based on common myths such as “I shouldn’t have left the party with him,” “I should have fought back more,” or “I shouldn’t have been drinking.” But, it is important to remember that no one ever asks to be sexually assaulted.

Remember, no one is to blame for sexual assault but the assailant!

We know that young women are in a high-risk group for sexual assault as well as domestic violence, and TWU has a unique program designed to keep our students safe and informed about these issues: Project REV!

Project REV offers services and resources about sexual assault, as well as domestic violence, dating abuse, and stalking. Services provided include:

• Educational presentations and events

• Academic advocacy

• Individual counseling

• Referrals and resources

Just call 940-898-2744 or email rev@twu.edu. All our services are free and confidential!

This month, in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Project REV student organization is hosting a Take Back the Night march. Every day, women and men around the world are victims of sexual violence. Project REV invites you to march with us and say enough is enough! Come join us as we Take Back the Night!

Date:      April 9^th

Where:   Hubbard Amphitheater

Time:      6:30 pm

What:     Featuring local music, pizza, and much more!

For more information about Project REV or Take Back the Night, call 940-898-2744 or email rev@twu.edu.

Disclaimer: This project is supported by grant #2006-WA-AX-0011 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, Office of Justice Programs, U. S. Department of Justice. Points of view in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U. S. Department of Justice. 

This guest post was written by Stephanie Jordan, Project Coordinator for Project REV at Texas Woman's University. You can visit the Project Rev website at http://www.twu.edu/project-rev/.