News

Help spread awareness this April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

The West Virginia University Peer Advocate program invites the campus and local community to participate in a week of events in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

From Monday, April 4, to Friday, April 8, the Health Sciences Center Pylons Lobby will be filled with information, activities and exhibits offering awareness and prevention resources. There will also be opportunities to enjoy free food, free merchandise, raffle drawings and giveaways.

Anyone wanting to participate as a presenter/exhibitor at the event may sign up via the group’s LinkTree. Any content is welcome so long as you have a passion for sexual assault awareness. Students/student organizations may be eligible for service hours.

SCHEDULE

Monday, April 4: "The Signs and Risk Factors of Sexual Violence"

  • Students and experts will discuss the potential signs to look out for related to sexual abuse, recent sexual assault, potential assault occurring in the future, sexual trafficking and more. Factors that can increase someone's risk of being assaulted will also be discussed, such as a history of substance abuse, mental illness, homelessness, food insecurity, race and ethnicity.

Tuesday, April 5: "The Psychological Aspect of Sexual Violence"

  • Presenters will provide information about common mental health impacts of sexual violence, bystander culture and intervention tactics to be an active bystander, toxic masculinity and how to talk to your friends about this issue, and more.

Wednesday, April 6: "Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs)"

  • Learn what a SANE is, how to become a SANE, why having SANEs are important, the implications of having a shortage of SANEs, and where SANEs currently are in West Virginia.

Thursday, April 7: "Referrals and Resources"

  • Groups both on and off campus all throughout West Virginia will be present to discuss the resources they provide to survivors of sexual violence and how you can refer someone to receive support.

Friday, April 8: "Medical Myths and Misconceptions"

  • Subjects such as virginity, male and female reproductive anatomy and physiology, the hymen, and more will be discussed. Recommendations for the safest sexual practices will be made for multiple types of gender and sexual identities.

Art about sexual assault made by local artists in the community will be on display throughout the week and various exhibits, including "What Were You Wearing?," will remain on display from Monday morning to Friday evening.

PARTICIPANTS

Faculty, staff and students from all programs are welcome to participate and attend. Members from the Department of Biology, School of Nursing, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, and more will be presenting. The following organizations will be helping:

  • Mental Health Organizations
  • LGBTQ+ Center, Monongalia County Victim Assistance Program
  • Student Basic Needs Coalition
  • UNICEF
  • Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Help Center
  • West Virginia Crime Victims Compensation Fund
  • WellWVU
  • WV Foundation for Rape Information Services
  • WVU Greek Life
  • WVU Medicine