University at Albany Honors Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Series of events slated for campus and community-at-large throughout April

A “Just Ask” postcard, with which members of the UAlbany community will be able to anonymously share their individual experiences with sexual violence.

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 31, 2016) – In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the University at Albany’s Advocacy Center for Sexual Violence and the Office of the Title IX Coordinator are collaborating to offer a series of events for the campus community and the community-at-large designed to raise awareness about and promote the prevention of sexual violence.

Throughout the month of April, the UAlbany community will have access to “Just Ask” postcards to anonymously share their individual experiences with sexual violence, either as a victim, friend or loved one of a survivor, active bystander, ally, etc. These cards will be collected at various locations on campus.

As the month’s festivities culminate, the campus community will gather on April 29 from 1 – 3 p.m. outside the small fountain to read the personal accounts shared on these cards in an effort to raise awareness and to continue the conversation about sexual violence started by the Just Ask campaign. The UAlbany campaign was successfully launched across all three campuses in September 2015 to raise awareness about sexual violence and the University’s array of prevention education efforts, as well as to facilitate a campus-wide conversation about this critical issue affecting college campuses nationwide.

We Care 2016

Following its inaugural success in 2015, UAlbany and Albany Medical Center will again host We Care on Tuesday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the SEFCU Arena. The event, designed to offer support to those affected by sexual violence, features the assembly of “survival kits” for Albany Medical Center’s sexual assault forensic examiners program.

This year, the goal is to assemble 250 kits which include items such as clothing, underwear/bras/socks, toiletries, gas cards/taxi vouchers, nominal gift cards, and an encouraging note from the community.
UAlbany’s Five Quad Ambulance Service and Mohawk Ambulance Service, along with UAlbany and Albany Medical College students, form a human assembly line and pass the packages along until they reach the ambulances where they are packed safely for delivery.

The event strives to ensure that each survivor of sexual assault leaves Albany Medical Center with dignity and the knowledge that they are supported by a community that cares. Generous sponsorship is provided by WalMart, RiteAid, Dunkin Donuts and Subway.

Dane Talks: Debunking Rape Myths

Rape myths are wildly held stereotypical, prejudicial, and generally false beliefs about sexual violence that discourage reporting by victims and create barriers to ensuring the accountability of offenders. To dispel these myths, UAlbany will host DANE TALKS: Debunking Rape Myths on Thursday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the D’Ambra Auditorium.

The series of brief discussions using the format of the popular TED TALK series will be presented by law enforcement, assault survivors, and health care experts to confront several of these dangerous misconceptions about sexual violence.

All student attendees will be entered into a drawing for a $50.00 gift card give away.

SEX SIGNALS: Comedy, Education and Audience Participation

On Thursday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center’s (PAC) Recital Hall, join the campus community for an informative and entertaining presentation. Sex Signals is a unique combination of improvisational comedy, education, and audience participation.

The performance explores how mixed messages, gender role stereotypes and unrealistic fantasies contribute to misunderstandings between the sexes. Come early and enjoy complimentary refreshments in the Futterer lounge outside the PAC theatre.

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