The University’s eighth annual Sexual Assault Awareness Week, scheduled Oct. 25–30, offers a variety of free, public workshops for women and men in addition to its annual “speakout” on sexual violence.
Sponsored by the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC), the week is designed to raise the campus community’s awareness and understanding of the many issues surrounding sexual assault.
“We believe we have an exciting and informative week planned,” says SAPAC director Debra Cain. “Preventing rape requires the involvement and commitment of all of us.”
The week begins with “Sexual Assault: The Greek Perspective” at 3–5 p.m. Oct. 25 in the Michigan Union Ballroom. The program is an opportunity for women and men to explore the unique issues surrounding sexual assault and the Greek system.
At 7 p.m. Oct. 25 in the Pendleton Room, Michigan Union, the program titled “Adult Males Sexually Abused as Children” will address the issues that male survivors of sexual abuse face. It will be led by a therapist and a survivor.
Loretta Ross, director of the Center for Democratic Renewal in Atlanta, will discuss “Including Gender in Hate Violence” at 7 p.m. Oct. 26 in the Anderson Rooms, Michigan Union.
The “6th Annual Speakout on Sexual Violence” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 in the Michigan Union Ballroom. This is a time for survivors of assault and harassment to share with the community their stories and experiences of survival. Opportunities for public and anonymous speaking are available.
SAPAC counselor Kata Issari says the speakout “is a powerful and moving opportunity for survivors to break the silence society imposes on them around the issue of sexual violence and for the community to show their support of them.”
America Bracho, former director of AIDS Services for Latino Family Services in Detroit and currently a talk show host on the only all-Spanish speaking radio station in California, will discuss “Tuning in and Getting Organized” at 7 p.m. Oct. 29 in the Anderson Rooms, Michigan Union.
“Friends Helping Friends: A Workshop for Friends and Family of Survivors” will be led by Issari noon–1 p.m. Oct. 30 in West Lounge, South Quadrangle. The workshop is an opportunity for those close to survivors to learn more about the recovery process and to to get support for themselves.
