Events scheduled for Sexual Assault Awareness Week at KU Sept. 12-18

LAWRENCE — The Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center at the University of Kansas has planned several themes, events and activities in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Week for the week of Sept. 12 through 18:

Monday, Sept. 12
“Defining Sexual Assault”
3 – 4 p.m. – Critical Conversation: The Language of Sexual Violence
7:30 p.m. – Alderson Auditorium – presentation by co-producers of the Angel Band Project, Rachel Ebeling and Jean Fox.

Tuesday, Sept. 13
“Consent and Alcohol”
7 p.m. – Hashinger Hall Theater – presented by members of Kappa Alpha Psi

Wednesday, Sept. 14
“Men’s Outreach”

Thursday, Sept. 15
“Honoring Survivors”
A candlelight vigil will be held at the Campanile at 8 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 16
“Bystander Intervention”

Volunteers will be on Wescoe Beach from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day to give an anti-assault pledge and welcome people to contribute to the Speak On It Series.

In addition to the on-campus events, GaDuGi SafeCenter will be hosting two events to raise awareness about sexual assault on Saturday, Sept. 17: A “Shoppin’ for Survivors” silent auction will be held from 6-10 p.m. at the Marriott Springhill Suites. Contact GaDuGi at 785-843-8985 for more information.

KU is observing Sexual Assault Awareness Week in September rather than the traditional time during April, which is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. One of the reasons is to increase engagement and involvement from students.

“I believe that making this change will help facilitate student growth and development in a number of ways,” said Sonja Heath, assistant director of the Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center. “At the beginning of the year, students are typically much more engaged in extra-curricular activities and may have more time to participate in programs and events.”

The staff also hopes the move will help with sexual violence prevention. Nationally, the first six weeks of the academic year bring an increase in the number of reported sexual assaults on campus, according to Kathy Rose-Mockry, program director of the Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center.

“It is our hope that we can educate students in a timely and engaging manner to help bring these statistics down,” Rose-Mockry said.

For more information on SAAW’s events and activities, contact the Emily Taylor Women's Resource Center at 785-864-3600 or etwrc@ku.edu.