At Sigma Phi Epsilon Iowa Theta, we strive to raise awareness about sexual assault and do everything we can to educate our brothers and friends how to prevent it.
To combat the issue, we hosted a weeklong Sexual Assault Awareness Week (SAAW) at Northern Iowa.
The week kicked off with a 24 hour See-SAAW to show the community that sexual assaults can happen at anytime of the day and it is a never-ending issue. Brothers manned the See-SAAW for all 24 hours allowing guests to ride periodically. It was a gateway into open discussions about sexual assaults as well as how to prevent them.
Since Teal is the nationally recognized color for Sexual Assault Awareness, we thought Teal Tuesday would fit well into our week. By encouraging brothers, members of the Greek community, as well as faculty, staff, and students of the UNI community, our chapter was was able to turn the campus teal on Tuesday. That evening we also offered a private self-defense class put on by the UNI Police department for women on campus.
Wednesday was our event called “Snag a SigEp,” which was started by Alan Heisterkamp, director of Mentors in Violence Prevention at the Center for Violence Prevention on campus. Heisterkamp mentioned what the Center provides for students on campus and how to become empowered to prevent sexual assaults through the Mentors in Violence Prevention Program. The remainder of the event consisted of a talent show put on by the members of SigEp, who were auctioned off to the highest bidder after their performance.
Thursday we brought in a national speaker, Kevin Teets, Tennessee-Martin ’06. He is an assistant district attorney from Nashville, Tennessee that deals with sexual assault cases. His speech focused on college sexual assault, causes of sexual assault, prevention techniques and a message challenging all present to be the difference.
On the final day of SAAW, our brothers distributed cookies and cupcakes outside the student union. We did this to say, “Thank you,” to our campus for their support throughout the week.
By the end of the week we collected $6,000 in donations from all of our events for Cedar Valley Friends of the Family, which is a shelter for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault.
Sexual Assault Awareness Week is over, but we will continue to challenge all to be engaged and ever mindful of sexual assaults, domestic violence, and how to prevent these acts.
NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE
Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected confidentially with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
REPORTING OPTIONS FOR SURVIVORS
– Campus student conduct office, Title IX coordinator, and/or dean of students
– Campus law enforcement, public safety, or security office
– Campus counseling center, health center, and/or sexual assault survivor services
– Local law enforcement
– Local hospital
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