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NAU aims to increase awareness of sexual assault preventionLaura Gray-Rosendale speaks at the Sexual Assault survivor talk in the du Bois ballroom Thursday, April 2, 2015. (Photo by Ryan J. Wesson)BY JACQUELINE CASTILLODuring their college years, 1 out of 5 women and 1 out of 16 men will be sexually assaulted. In September 2014, President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden launched the Its on Us initiative, an awareness campaign to help put an end to sexual assault on college campuses.The most updated statistics from the NAU Police Department (NAUPD) show that in 2012 there were 16 reported cases of sexual assault at NAU. That number only represents reported cases, because only about 30 percent of sexual assault cases are reported to law enforcement.NAU took a stand against sexual assault and made a commitment to the Its on Us campaign. March 30 through April 2 was Sexual Assault Awareness Week at NAU, and throughout the week ASNAU hosted a number of events to promote the movement. ASNAU partnered with NAUPD, ROTC, student government, Fraternity and Sorority Life and Health Promotions to put on these events.During the week, 2,000 blue flags were displayed in front of the Union to represent the 1 out of 5 women who are sexually assaulted during their time in college, based on NAUs population of roughly 10,000 women.The main event of the week, held April 2, was a presentation called “Little Black Dress.” At this event, Laura Gray-Rosendale, an NAU English professor and the author of College Girl: A Memoiry spoke about her personal experience as a sexual assault survivor, after which other survivors spoke out as well during the “Survivor Speak Out” for NAU students. Leaders of the event also encouraged everyone to wear black all day to symbolize that what people wear does not equal sexual consent.“The Little Black Dress” and “Survivor Speak Out” were emotional for those who had the chance to witness it. The lights were all turned off except for dim lights at every table, and individuals were encouraged to walk up on stage and tell their story. At first, people were hesitant to speak, but after one individual told a story, many others got the courage to share their stories as well.“Some of the stories surprised me not because they happened, but because these women and men had the strength to share their story to a room full of strangers, and it empowered other survivors to embrace their courage and strength,” said junior psychology major Bianca Pacheco.The speakers ranged in ages and situations, but each one was hard to hear. What reinforced the severity of sexual assault was the fact that the people who spoke out were both female and male. This presented the message to the audience that sexual assault can affect anyone. Many of these stories not only helped the survivors but also the audience to understand the daily emotions that a victim must face.“I was surprised at how hard many of the survivors spoke about living with it every single day,” said junior nursing major Rachel Waite. “I never understood the impact that sexual assault could have on a person and I was very surprised at how many of the survivors had been diagnosed with PTSD.”Many of the speakers shared their daily struggles with recovering and also their worries about how the world would see them. The reality of sexual assault is that it does not just happen and then disappear; the aftermath is a life-long struggle.Audience members enjoyed the event because it provided a safe place for survivors to tell their story and for the audience to understand what happened to these individuals.“I think it was a very powerful event and it was a great way for survivors to share their story in a less-threatening environment,” said freshman elementary education major Kelly Smith.ASNAU also presented information about sexual assault and hosted events to teach the public about prevention. Organizers encouraged people to sign a pledge to end sexual assault and hosted information-based events like bystander training, a water-pong tournament and a discussion called “Coffee and Consent”The Flagstaff community joined in to bring awareness to end sexual assault. The bars in downtown Flagstaff made a commitment to the Its on Us campaign by having their servers and bartenders wear the Its on Us T-shirt April 2 to show their support.ASNAU has created a website with information on the Its on Us campaign and resources for victims of sexual assault. For more information go to itsonusnau.weebly. com.
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