April is finally here, which means it is time to Embrace Your Voice during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Kent State University’s Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services is hosting a variety of events throughout the month to provide opportunities to find solidarity in the #MeToo movement, learn from one another and stand up to say violence is not okay in our community.
“Sexual Assault Awareness Month engages all voices to stand in solidarity with those who have been assaulted and to say violence is not OK in the Kent State community,” says Jennifer O’Connell, director of Kent State’s Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services. “The events this month increase education and awareness of sexual assault and elevates diverse voices for those who are healing or unable to safely speak out.”
April’s events include:
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes
Taking place April 10 on Risman Plaza at 5:30 p.m., this event features a fun-filled rally and walk to raise awareness for sexual violence. There will be poster making, a high-heeled walk-off and other activities before the walk through campus.
The Voiceless
The documentary The Voiceless will be shown on April 12 in the Bowman Hall Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. This documentary allows male survivors of sexual violence to tell their stories and discuss the intersection of culture, masculinity and taboos that male survivors experience.
Tarana Burke: Creator and Leader of the #MeToo movement
Tarana Burke will share her powerful message of leadership, unity, empathy and outreach on April 16 in University Auditorium at Cartwright Hall at 7 p.m. Attendees will learn more about the #MeToo movement and its origins from 10 years ago to provide empowerment through empathy.
My Unspoken Voice
Survivors and allies will embrace their voices against sexual violence and abuse on April 19 at the Wick Poetry Center at 6 p.m. for a speak-out through the arts. All are welcome to sing, dance, share poetry and express their voices through art.
Be the Green Dot
Take a stand against sexual violence on April 24 on Risman Plaza at noon. Attendees will receive a free T-shirt. The Green Dot Strategy is a bystander approach for the prevention of power-based personal violence that relies on the power of cultural and peer influence.
Walk of Power — Sponsored by Students Against Sexual Assault
Take back the “walk of shame” with an empowering march through campus to raise awareness of slut shaming and sexual harassment on April 30 on Risman Plaza at 2 p.m.
For more information about these and other events marking Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Kent State’s Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services, visit www.kent.edu/SRVSS.