CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University will hold a march, rally and survivor speak-out on Thursday, April 27, in recognition of "Take Back the Night," an event held in many locations throughout the world to raise awareness about sexual violence.

The OSU event begins at 7:30 p.m., in the Student Experience Center Plaza on the Corvallis campus. Speakers featured at this event include Brenda Tracy, Jackie Sandmeyer, and Rachel Grisham. Additionally, there will be a talk by Tracy and Sandmeyer about sexual violence on college campuses April 27, 4 p.m., in the MU Horizon Room.

"Take Back the Night" is just one event of many being held in April at Oregon State to acknowledge Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Organizers say the events provide opportunities for students, staff and faculty to declare as a community that sexual violence will not be tolerated on the OSU campus.

Oregon State is not only committed to preventing all forms of sexual violence and providing a safe campus atmosphere but also fosters a compassionate response to those who have experienced this type of violence, according to Judy Neighbours, associate director of the Survivor Advocacy and Resource Center (SARC) at Oregon State.

 Sexual violence - in the form of sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking - negatively impacts the lives of survivors and those around them, Neighbours pointed out. People of all genders, races, cultural backgrounds, religions, socioeconomic levels, marital status, abilities or levels of education can experience sexual violence.

Nationally, one in five women and one in 16 men experience sexual violence while attending college. There are additional students who have experienced other forms of violence, including stalking and dating violence. 

"We know that many will not report their assault, and OSU wants students and the community to know that the university provides numerous services to students exposed to this tragic experience, regardless of their choice about reporting," Neighbours said.

SARC offers students a safe and confidential place to discuss their experience with an advocate. The advocate can help them understand their rights for reporting and for safety, assist with any housing or academic needs that arise as a result of their experience, and refer them to Student Health Services and/or Counseling and Psychological Services.

When students do want to report their experience to the university, the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access assists with investigating complaints of sexual misconduct.

For additional information, call Neighbours at 541-737-2030 or visit http://tbtn.oregonstate.edu

Story By: 

Gina Flak: 541-737-2715; [email protected]

Source: 

Judy Neighbours, 541-737-2030; [email protected]

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