STAR Central and RESPECT Announce Events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

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STAR Central and the RESPECT program will sponsor and lead a number of educational and awareness events during the month of April to address and speak out against sexual assault and violence, particularly violence against women.

STAR Central, an office in the Pat Walker Health Center for Support, Training, Advocacy and Resources on Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence, was developed in 1998 and has been addressing the issues of sexual assault and relationship violence through the provision of awareness campaigns, education programs and victim advocacy services. As a program of STAR Central, Rape Education Services by Peers Encouraging Conscious Thought, better known by its acronym, RESPECT, began in 2000 as a way to further reach out to university students through the use of peer education. RESPECT provides interactive, educational programs by college students for college students.

An exhibit, "What were you wearing? Art Instillation" is on display at the Arkansas Union Connections Lounge through Friday, April 3. This compelling exhibit features clothing that represents what was worn at the time of sexual assaults and rapes of many different survivors. An interactive component of the display provides for survivors to contribute by writing what they were wearing to further help dispel the myth that clothing causes sexual assault. Also, an interactive message system "take what you need, give what you can" is a way for people to anonymously provide support for each other by leaving messages of support that those in need can take with them.

The "Survivor Wall" will be on display daily from April 6-30 at the Pat Walker Health Center. Those who view the display will witness the experiences of rape survivors through reading their stories that they have courageously shared. Viewers may leave comments in a comment book provided.

From noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 6, outside of the Arkansas Union, RESPECT will provide "Messages of Empowerment" that addresses support for survivors of sexual assault. An interactive display and music literacy will particularly be featured as participants have the opportunity to learn more about providing support for those who have experienced sexual assault.

A "Bystander Maze" will be featured by RESPECT on April 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. outside of the Arkansas Union. Participants will be given a scenario and their decisions regarding what they would do determines the path they take through the maze. Emphasis of this event will focus on sexual assault prevention through bystander intervention. Accompanying this event, graduate students of STAR Central will hold a "That's so 6%" table to encourage more students to get involved with this original bystander intervention movement at the University of Arkansas. "That's so 6%" addresses rape prevention by shifting the focus of sexual violence onto rape culture and those who commit acts of sexual violence.

STAR Central and RESPECT have partnered with NWA Rape Crisis and the U of A Associated Student Government Graduate Student Board to host a screening of the recently released film, "The Hunting Ground" on April 15. The film presents problems that some students on other campuses across the nation have experienced with reporting sexual assault. This event provides the opportunity for the University of Arkansas to share with students the many support services and the processes and policies in reference to handling sexual assault that are available to them, since not all universities have such programs in place. Prior to the film screening, an information fair of several University resources will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Graduate Education Auditorium 166 lobby. Many support services for students will be represented. The film will be shown at 7 p.m. in the Graduate Education Auditorium 166. Immediately after the film, a panel of University support professionals and some community support services will provide discussion about the film and the many resources available to students at the University of Arkansas. Representatives from John Brown University and Northwest Arkansas Community College are also scheduled to participate.

In its sixth year, "The Fourth Flag Project" will be on display daily April 15-24 in the courtyard between the Arkansas Union and Mullins Library. Fall 2014 enrollment statistics indicate that 13,395 women are enrolled at the University of Arkansas. Based on research using national samples, 1 in 4 college women are sexually assaulted. This powerful display will have 3,349 small flags on exhibit and representing every fourth female student on campus. The flags boldly state, "1 in 4 no more."

This year marks the tenth annual Dress Down to Raise Awareness Day to be held on Thursday, April 23. As a way to raise awareness within the workplace, participants of this event pay $10 and receive a Take Back the Night glow-in-the-dark t-shirt to wear with their jeans or khakis to work for the day while making a "fashion statement."

As the culmination of the month, the thirteenth annual Northwest Arkansas Take Back the Night March will be held on Thursday, April 23. Gathering will begin at the Arvest Plaza on the Fayetteville Square with opening remarks at 7 p.m. Participants will march to the University of Arkansas via East Avenue, Dickson Street and up through the lawn of Old Main to the regathering place in front of Old Main. At the regathering, a candlelight vigil will be held in remembrance of and honoring the survivors of sexual and relationship violence. Additionally, inspirational words and songs along with a speak-out will occur to allow all to have a voice as we unify against violence against women.

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact Dr. Mary A. Wyandt-Hiebert at 479-575-7252 or visit respect.uark.edu to follow social media links. The STAR Central Office and RESPECT are dedicated to and dream of a day when sexual and relationship violence no longer exist.