Campus Against Violence Hosts Sexual Assault Awareness Month Activities in April

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University’s Campus Against Violence Program encourages students, faculty and staff to “Stand Up Against Sexual Violence” during its annual commemoration of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Events begin with a video shoot for the short film Break the Silence from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, April 14, in Red Square (rain location: Guerrieri University Center (GUC), Link of Nations). Campus community members are invited to share their views on sexual assault, sexual violence and gender roles.

The completed film is screened during a “Take Back the Night” rally from 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, in the Wicomico Room of the GUC. Campus Against Violence, the Residence Life Sexual Assault Awareness Team, Student Health Services and the Life Crisis Center host an evening of compassion, remembrance and support. Sexual assault survivors are honored through personal stories, music and performances. A candlelight vigil and march follows. Refreshments will be served.

The documentary Killing Us Softly 4: Advertising’s Image of Women is shown 7 p.m. Monday, April 25, in Devilbiss Hall Room 123. The movie poses questions about the connection between media portrayals of women and sexual violence, eating disorders and sexism. Afterward, Drs. Michele Bracken, Chrys Egan, Diane Illig and Suzanne Osman facilitate a discussion on the film. Refreshments will be served. The Residence Life Sexual Assault Awareness Team and Communication Arts, Nursing, Sociology and Psychology departments sponsor the event.

In April, the Campus Against Violence Program also unveils a new project: “Salisbury Speaks: It’s Your WRITE to Heal.” Students who have experienced sexual abuse, assault, relationship violence, stalking or other sexual violence are invited to speak out through poetry, artwork and personal narratives. For more information visit the Campus Against Violence Facebook page or www.salisbury.edu/counseling/cav/salisburyspeaks.com.

SU’s Campus Against Violence Program is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women.

Admission to all events is free. For more information call 410-543-6070 or visit the Campus Against Violence Web site at www.salisbury.edu/counseling/cav.