April: Sexual Assault Awareness Month

It's April, which means it's Sexual Assault Awareness month. Although sexual assault is a problem that should be discussed year-round, April demands special attention from everyone. Many people consider this to be an awareness month that doesn't concern them, but that is not the case. Even if it doesn't concern you, it's important to take into account the people around you who may be affected by this topic.

Sexual assault is almost impossible to report in exact numbers, due to the fact many sexual assault crimes going unreported. However, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, and National Institute of Justice, 20% - 25% of college women and 15% of college men are victims of forced sex during their time in college. That is a large part of the college community.

AUP For Consent, AUP's local survivor support group as well as consent educator, create a safe space for survivors of assault and educate young men and women on safe consensual sex. To honor Sexual Assault Awareness month, the group will be hosting Take Back The Night at the AMEX Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at 18h30. The club welcomes the whole student body.

Take Back the Night will be the first event of the Let’s Talk series at AUP this month. The event will discuss matters such as consent, respect, and assault. Survivors will have the opportunity to share their stories (if they wish to), and the group will participate in a discussion regarding how our society can continue to explore and speak out against sexual violence. AUP for Consent will also be screening the film “The Invisible War”, Wednesday, April 24 at 18h30. "The Invisible War" is a documentary directed by Kirby Dick, about rape and sexual assault of soldiers in the U.S. Military.

Student guidance Counselor, Pamela Montfort, says, “AUP for Consent and the semester-long activities are definitely a great way for AUP to bring awareness to sexual harassment.” The creators of the “Don’t silence Me" music video, will screen their video and host a panel discussion at Maison des Auteurs de la SACD 7 Rue Ballu, 75009 Paris on April 11, 2019, at 21h, and welcomes AUP students to the event. The song and video are described as an anthem for survivors and features over 40 survivors of sexual assault. The event is free but only open to people who RSVP to Mhairi Morrison at mhairi@mhairimorrison.com.

If you are looking for resources as a survivor of sexual harassment or sexual violence, contact AUP For Consent at consent@aup.edu. AUP also offers 15 free sessions per semester with a recommended psychologist.