April 8th - Sexual Violence as a retention issue on campus

Did you know that 1 in 4 women on a college campus will experience sexual violence? 

That's 25% of the female population. 

We often hear about the importance of "retention" as it relates to various groups of students. But how often do administrators include sexual assault in the discussion about the retention rates of women in college?

Sadly, not often enough. 

Although every survivor responds differently after experiencing trauma, some common reactions include:

• difficulty concentrating or focusing
• difficulty sleeping and/or eating
• feeling excessively tired
• flashbacks, intrusive memories and/or nightmares about the event
• withdrawal from people and places in one's life
• fear of judgement
• fear of being "outed" (if they identify as LGBTQ) 
• fear of losing their community of friends
• fear of retaliation from the perpetrator
• self-blame

We know that college can be a challenging time for ALL students but 25% of our female population are not only trying to navigate the everyday challenges of college, but are doing so while also managing the trauma they have experienced. 

Here is a short list of things that YOU can do to help create change on campus:
1. Educate yourself about sexual violence on campus and believe survivors. Ask your administrators about their commitment to end violence on campus. If you have an opportunity to participate in a discussion/project about college student retention, include sexual violence in the discussion. 

2. Instructors and Professors - Educate yourself in the area of sexual violence and make your role as a mandatory reporter clear at the beginning of the semester. Put contact information about confidential resources and advocacy on your syllabus so students know where to go when they need help.

3. Parents and family- do your best to support your loved one as they make the decisions that feel right for them. Tell them you believe them and that it wasn't their fault.

4. Partners/friends/roommates  - try to remain patient and understanding as your partner/friend/roommate navigates the healing process. Be supportive and understanding, even if your friend/roommate suddenly seems distant. Keep lines of communication open and offer your support in whatever ways you can.

5. All loved ones of a survivor- make sure you also seek support for yourself. Similar to when a flight attendant instructs passengers on a plane to "put your own oxygen mask on first" ...we are only helpful to those around us if we first take care of ourselves. Advocates are available as a safe space to talk about your feelings.

6. Take time to check out the resources near you. At CSU those resources include the Women and Gender Advocacy Center! All SAAM events will include information about WGAC but you are also more than welcome to just stop in and say hi! 

Join us for this week's SAAM events:

TUESDAY APRIL 9th 

Film Screening: The Invisible War

7pm, Clark A104

THE INVISIBLE WAR is a groundbreaking investigation into one of America’s most disturbing secrets: the epidemic of rape within the US military. Focusing on the powerful stories of several young veterans, the film is a moving examination of the staggering personal and societal costs of these assaults.

Both a comprehensive inquiry and an insight into what can be done to bring about much-needed change, THE INVISIBLE WAR urges us all, civilian and military alike, to fight for a system that protects our men and women in uniform.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 10th 

Workshop: Developing Porn Literacy 

6:30pm, Corbett Hall Lobby

 From your iphone to the magazine stand, pornography is increasingly affordable, accessible and relatively anonymous. Yet for something so prevalent, we rarely are given the tools to be able to "read" the messages we get from porn about sex and sexuality. Join the discussion and learn how porn is working to change the way we get down!

THURSDAY APRIL 11th 

SAAM day on the plaza! 

10am-4pm, LSC Plaza

SAAM awareness on the plaza will include games, prizes, community and campus resources, the Clothesline Project, the CTMO photo booth, the Red Whistle Brigade, art, candy and more!

THURSDAY APRIL 11th 

Take Back The Night! 

6pm, LSC Plaza

This internationally recognized rally and protest creates an atmosphere of empowerment, while raising awareness about sexual violence. The event begins with a speak-out and ends with a march to Old Town.