WKU News

Take Back the Night will be held April 26 as part of Sexual Assault Prevention Month. (Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay)

When only one in six college-aged female sexual assault survivors receive assistance from a victim services agency, Sexual Assault Prevention Month activities are increasingly important to educating students as well as community members on preventive steps and resources for support. For this reason, Hope Harbor, Inc., WKU Counseling and Testing Center, and multiple campus and community groups have joined efforts to coordinate 20 events to raise awareness, share prevention information and encourage support for sexual assault survivors, not only at WKU but in the surrounding communities.

WKU Counseling and Testing and Hope Harbor, Inc., serve individuals throughout the year with multiple services, and the above statistic from the Association of American Universities Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct in 2015 reaffirms the need for those offices to lead efforts to raise awareness for resources in the Bowling Green/Warren County area.

“It takes a community, the whole community, to come together and change our rape culture. We can’t believe this is just a woman’s issue any longer. Rape culture is dependent on teaching accountability, respect and showing survivors they are believed and valued,” said Elizabeth Madariaga, WKU Counseling and Testing Center’s Sexual Assault Services Coordinator.

Sexual Assault Prevention Month activities begin Monday (March 26) with the kickoff event from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Downing Student Union, first floor. Students can obtain information on sexual assault awareness and prevention resources and participate in activities. Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear will join representatives of Western Kentucky University and Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College to sign a proclamation at 2 p.m. Following the proclamation signing, guests are invited the second floor of DSU for the exhibit opening of “What Were You Wearing?” in the George and Cynthia Nichols Intercultural Student Engagement Center, DSU 2041. The exhibit, which will be open through April 30, will feature clothing of sexual assault survivors.

SKYCTC will host a Sexual Assault Prevention Month Kickoff at 11 a.m. April 3 in Building F.

April events at WKU include a Facebook Live series the first four Mondays; #MeToo Journalism: Investigating Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics Sex Abuse on April 9; Walk a Mile in Her Shoes on April 11; Clothesline Project on April 18, Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues on April 24; and Namesta yoga with Dr. Lacretia Dye on April 30.

WKU Theatre and Dance and WKU Music will spotlight sexual assault prevention information in their production of 9 to 5 The Musical April 6-8. 

Community members are welcome to participate in events that take place at WKU and SKYCTC. The Committee will host Poster-Making nights on April 3 and 16, Dine Out fundraisers during the month, and a #MeToo Poetry Reading on April 19. 

Hundreds of campus and community members are expected to participate in the annual Take Back the Night on April 26. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at First Christian Church. Supporters can walk individually or with a group, family, organization, church or residence hall in support of victim survivors and sexual assault prevention. Free T-shirts are available to participants who register by April 10 by visiting www.wku.edu/heretohelp/sapm. The A-Frame will host a benefit fundraiser after Take Back the Night at 7:30 p.m.

“Take Back the Night is a chance for community members to show their support for survivors of sexual violence. It is also a time for individuals and groups to make a commitment to work to change our culture and prevent sexual violence,” said Megan Talcott, Hope Harbor Director of Prevention Education.

For a full list of Sexual Assault Prevention Month events and sponsors, visit www.wku.edu/heretohelp/sapm. There you will also find information on sexual assault prevention and reporting an assault.

Contact: Elizabeth Madariaga, elizabeth.madariaga@wku.edu or (270) 745-3159