OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi observes Sexual Assault Awareness Month throughout April to show support for survivors and educate the community about consent and preventing sexual violence.
The student organization Rebels Against Sexual Assault and the campus Violence Intervention and Prevention Office are leading the events, which coincide with other observances around the world in support of survivors. It’s an important issue for any community to focus on, organizers said.
“The way we talk about and educate others on sexual violence can affect the increase in the number of people who speak out and the overall decrease in incidents,” said Jessica Watson, UM graduate assistant for violence prevention and outreach. “RASA and VIP teach the importance of consent by showing respect and safety for others on our campus and in the Oxford community.
“We want to help empower survivors, and ‘I Ask’ is an important way to do so.”
The events include a panel discussion examining “LGBTQ and Sexual Violence” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday (April 11) in Bryant Hall, Room 200.
There’s also the “Take Back the Night” march beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday (April 16) at the Grove Stage to show solidarity with sexual assault victims. Wills Hay, a member of the RASA executive committee, noted the importance of community reflection during the event.
“We want to hear the survivors’ stories and let them come together so the community can hear their stories,” Hay said. “We want to let them know that it is not their fault. If you are survivor and something happens to you, you are a survivor and you still matter and you are a person.”
April 23 brings “What Were You Wearing” to the Croft Institute, Room 107. The solemn exhibit, which opens at 7 p.m., displays what survivors were wearing when they were assaulted.
The month’s observances conclude with April 24’s Denim Day, which is observed around the world. Wearing jeans is used as a form of solidarity to show support for survivors and also to educate others about sexual violence.
To help anyone who may have been assaulted, there are some important steps, including advising them to seek medical treatment and counseling services, Hay said.
“Your first step as a friend of somebody who has been sexually assaulted is to let them know it’s not their fault,” Hay said. “They still matter even though they lost the power over their body at one point; they can get it back.
“They have so many resources at Ole Miss and in Oxford and in our community to facilitate that transition from someone who has had a horrible experience and doesn’t know what to think or do, to someone who gains back their independence.”
Anyone who needs help can contact the following campus resources:
- The Violence Intervention and Prevention Office provides confidential advocacy services for survivors of sexual violence. The VIP office can provide accommodations and empowers students with information to decide which next steps to take. The office is in the University Counseling Center. Call Shelli Poole at 662-915-1059 or email sapoole@olemiss.edu to arrange an appointment.
- The university’s Title IX office conducts investigations related to sexual misconduct, relationship violence and stalking. The office also provides accommodations for students. Generally, the student dictates if the process moves forward. Honey Ussery, Title IX coordinator, can be contacted at 662-915-7045 or hbussery@olemiss.edu.
- The University Counseling Center is free for students and keeps information confidential. It is housed on Dormitory Row, in Lester Hall, Room 320, is the same building as Parking Services. Counselors are available for walk-ins from noon to 5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Appointments can be made by calling 915-3784.
- Visit http://umsafe.olemiss.edu for a complete list of resources.