As Sexual Assault Awareness Month continues through the month of April, the University of Arkansas Title IX office will be hosting a “Virtual RAINN Day Panel” on Wednesday, April 13, and feature two sexual assault survivors.

The panel will take place from 3-4 p.m. on Zoom and registration is required. 

RAINN Day takes place every year on April 13 and is an opportunity for college students to demonstrate to their peers that they are an ally in the fight against sexual violence. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and continues to host events each year for students to educate their peers, provide resources, and raise awareness on social media. 

Cary Donahou and Teralisa Brewer, two sexual assault survivors, will take part in the panel. U of A sophomore Sophie McAdara will serve as the moderator. 

“I intend to help individuals create more positive ways of coping with negative and positive emotions they may encounter in life—to teach them positive and supportive cognitive and behavioral tools on how they may effectively defend and protect themselves whenever they experience harassment, misconduct, or sexual assault,” said Brewer, a Little Rock entrepreneur.

“I am survivor," Donahou said. "These things do not define me, though they have shaped my life. I share my stories to let others know they are not alone and to give them hope that healing is possible."

McAdara is an honors student from Branson, Missouri studying political science. She is currently serving as the director of student safety for the Associated Student Government and as the vice president for University Programs. In her role as director of student safety, McAdara has had the opportunity to work with campus and local organizations to bring awareness to the issue of sexual assault on college campuses and the resources available for survivors.

We encourage all to unite and participate in Sexual Assault Awareness Month events throughout April. Each week, a complete list of events will be featured in the daily Arkansas News email and on news.uark.edu. Events may also be found on the campus SAAM calendar and the Title IX Outreach Initiative page. Please note that some of these events contain sensitive information regarding sexual and relationship violence.

As SAAM events unfold, the university truly wishes wellness for the entire community. The university recognizes that individuals who have experienced sexual violence are at different points in their healing processes. So, for anyone who may personally struggle as SAAM events receive heightened attention, a reminder that confidential campus support resources include the Sexual and Relationship Violence Center and CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services), both of the Pat Walker Health Center. Assistance may also be sought through U of A Cares and the Title IX Office.

As a reminder, incidents of sexual harassment, misconduct, assault and discrimination should be reported through report.uark.edu.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the top 3% of U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.