Join the Wellness and CARE Coordinator, Haley Mangette, in Hicks Banquet Hall for a workshop on victim blaming. We talk about what victim blaming is, why it happens and how we can stop it. Refreshments and cookies provided.

Date: Sunday, April 16th

Time: 6 p.m.

Location: Hicks Banquet Hall

As part of efforts for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we are hoping to put together a compilation of videos from faculty, staff, and administration with messages of support for victims and survivors of sexual assault. We are hoping to collect 15 to 20 second videos by April 17^th to compile and send out on the SPEAK Instagram. If you need any assistance in developing the letter or recording, please let Haley Mangette (Haley.Mangette@kzoo.edu)! 

Examples of positive affirmations:  

• “I want you to know that even though we may have never met, I care about you and believe in you. You are not at fault for what happened to you. You are brave, powerful, intelligent, and I am here for you.”  
• “You are not alone. Please, do not hesitate to reach out to resources here at K like the counseling services, the office of gender equity, or our YWCA Advocate, Mya. You are strong. I care about you and want you to know that you do not have to go through this alone.”  
• “I believe you. This shouldn’t have happened to you and you are not at fault. You did not do anything to deserve this.” 

Phrases/ words to avoid:  

• “I understand what you are going through.”  
• “You will be okay” or “You will get through this”  
• Triggering words (such as rape). 

If you would like to participate in this effort but not on video, we have an online anonymous collection you can submit to as well: https://sexualsafety.kzoo.edu/sll/.

Every April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). During SAAM, different groups and organizations hold events to raise awareness for and acknowledge the impact that sexual assault has on those within our and other communities. A Speak out, hosted on Denim Day (Wednesday, April 26), is an annual event with the mission of ending sexual, relationship, and domestic violence in all forms. The Speak out allows victims and survivors of gender-based violence and intimate-partner violence to share their stories and/or pieces of writing or art to empower themselves and raise awareness of the issue in a supportive, “off-the-record” space.

Because of the nature of this subject, we also offer the opportunity for victim-survivors to anonymously share their stories to be read on stage. You can upload your submission at Anonymous Submissions  .

We will also be offering confidential writing workshops that offer a safe and mediated space to put experiences into words.  The first workshop will be held this Thursday, April 6th from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. in the CCE Community Room (Dewing).Anyone is welcome to share their stories, poetry, art, etc. If you wish to participate or have any questions, please contact Abbey.Mcmillian20@kzoo.edu  (student) or Haley.Mangette@kzoo.edu (staff member).