April is nationally recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention month, and Clark State College’s Sexual Violence Prevention Team (SVPT) has created a month full of educational and interactive ways to address the spectrum of violence including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, gender-based harassment, and stalking.
“The Sexual Violence Prevention Team at Clark State strives to offer meaningful programming and activities during Sexual Assault Awareness Month to raise awareness, uplift resources and reinforce prevention strategies and efforts,” said Nina Wiley, assistant vice president of student affairs at Clark State. “We have a strong focus on offering support and strength for survivors.”
Project Woman of Ohio will display “What Were You Wearing?” – an exhibit that brings awareness to the prevalence of sexual assault and combats victim-blaming.
The “What Were You Wearing?” exhibit is a powerful display, featuring stories of survivors of sexual assault displayed alongside their clothing. This exhibit will be displayed in the TLC rotunda from April 3 through April 7.
At the “What Were You Wearing?” exhibit, participants will have the opportunity to work on a collaborative art experience with Kristi Limes, Ohio State University MSW Intern from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, April 3 and Wednesday, April 5.
Also beginning on April 10, and for the remainder of the month, Clark State will hold the Empty Chair campaign.
The Empty Chair campaign raises awareness and seeks to prevent incidents of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other forms of interpersonal violence on campus. During the three-week period, teal folding chairs will be placed in different areas at all of our campus locations, each containing a sheet with “Why I’m Not on Campus Today” as well as resources to highlight the fact that this sort of violence impacts many facets of a person’s life and can impede their participation in a variety of activities.
Clark State will also conduct a campus-climate survey throughout the month. All members of the Clark State community will receive an email from Wiley asking them to complete a short survey. Feedback will provide insight on important factors including knowledge of campus reporting options and protocols, prevention training effectiveness, campus readiness to address sexual violence, confidence in the institution’s ability to effectively respond to reports, and more.
The survey will remain open until April 28. All responses are anonymous.
“The feedback we receive is important as we continue to make positive changes at Clark State,” said Wiley.
Additional April Programming Includes:
Sexual Violence Prevention Day of Action: Lunch and Learn – Wednesday, April 4
Clark State faculty, staff and students will learn about bystander intervention skills, consent, and resources for victims. Emily Parsons, Community Advocacy and Education Coordinator at Project Woman, will facilitate this event.
Ohio Wears Blue Day – Wednesday, April 12
Join Clark State in showing support for child abuse and neglect prevention by wearing blue, the color for child abuse prevention awareness.
Clark State Supports Survivors of Sexual Abuse Day – Wednesday, April 19
Show support for victims of sexual abuse by wearing teal, the color for sexual violence prevention.
Anyone concerned about how they are feeling after participating in scheduled events can contact Counseling Services for assistance: 937.328.7961 | vannoordm@clarkstate.edu.