This coming weekis Sexual Violence Awareness Week. Sponsored by multiple clubs and coordinated by Jenny Beer and the Sexual Violence Prevention Coalition, this week will feature nine events to create awareness, conversation, and solidarity in regards to sexual violence.
Prashansa Dickson, a second-year student and International Student Club leader, hopes people will become more involved and informed about these important issues addressed throughout the week.
“I think it is important that we stand in support of raising awareness about such a prevalent problem,” Dickson said.
On Sundaythe Clothesline Project will go up in Schrock Plaza, presented by the Social Work Action Association (SWAA). This project will display t-shirts around Schrock Plaza that tell stories of survivors of sexual violence from Goshen College.
Monday’s convocation will focus on personal violence, presented by Steve Thomas, and there will be a candle light vigil at 9:30 p.m. in Shrock Plaza, presented by PAX club.
At 8:30 p.m. Tuesdaythere will be a Men’s Summit in Newcomer 19. Steve Thomas and Goshen College Bro Association will present during this event. This event is for men only.
At 8:30 Wednesdaythere will be a women’s safety training in RFC 104. Steve Thomas will present to women only.
There will be a Take Back the Night walk at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, beginning in Newcomer 19. Goshen Student Women Association (GSWA) and Social Reform Club will host this event. This will include a gathering of men and women and a women-only walk around campus.
Friday will be Teal and Purple Day. There will be a presentation by Emmaus Ministries, a ministry focusing on male prostitution, in chapel and another presentation by Emmaus Ministries at 7:30 p.m. in Umble.
These events are meant to bring awareness to everyone on campus and are therefore meant for everyone to be a part of, regardless of gender.
Hayley Bastin, a third-year SWAA leader, said, “For a long time Sexual Violence Awareness Week has come across as a women’s issue, but I personally really wanted to push for a more inclusive message.”
Dickson added, “I hope, above all else,that the information conveyed throughout this week reaches as many people as possible.”
Throughout the week, these events will be advertised through the communicator, on posters, and by word of mouth.
“One of the things I really believe a small campus can do best is creating places for dialogue and lending itself to social progression in that way,” Bastin said.
Organizers hope to have good turnouts to all of the events so that awareness can increase through solidarity and discussion.
Dominique Chew, a third-year GSWA leader, said, “I want people to remember the purpose of this week above anything else. I want them to keep in mind that we are remembering those who have been and are being affected by all types of sexual violence.”
