Activities planned to raise awareness about sexual assault and support victims of sexual violence are taking place throughout the month of April through the Gender Equity Center at Gateway Community College (GCC).  

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the GCC’s Gender Equity Center used this designation to develop numerous events to bring increased consciousness to the problem and provide strategies to help students prevent themselves from being victimized.  Topics explored throughout the programs include cyberbullying, sexual assault in the military, signs of an unhealthy relationship, and bystander intervention. 

On Monday, April 8 in room N111, there will be a movie screening of Audrie & Daisy, a documentary that examines the effect on communities, families, friends and schools after two young women are sexually assaulted.  The victims were subjected to cyberbullying and the documentary follows the story through court and police investigations.  

Other events planned this month include:

Tuesday, April 9 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Room S211 – Presentation on sexual assault in the military

Wednesday, April 10 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Photos and writing activities on the GCC Fairway

Thursday, April 11 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Photos and writing activities on the GCC Fairway

Monday, April 15 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Room N111 – The Hunting Ground documentary screening

Tuesday, April 16 all day – Wear teal to represent sexual assault awareness, ribbons will be distributed

Wednesday, April 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Writing and art activities on the GCC Fairway

Thursday, April 18 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Writing and art activities on the GCC Fairway

Thursday, April 18 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Room S211 – Presentation on sexual violence, relationship violence, rape culture, consent, victim blaming, bystander intervention and how to stop sexual violence

Tuesday, April 23 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., S211 – Presentation on what sexual harassment really is, where to seek services, what can be done if you experience it, and how we experience it at school, work, and in our everyday lives. 

Wednesday, April 24 all day – Wear jeans in support of sexual assault victims

Wednesday, April 24 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.  – Design a T-shirt on the GCC Fairway to support victims of violence

Thursday, April 25 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Design a T-shirt on the GCC Fairway to support victims of violence

Tuesday, April 30 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Room S211 – Presentation on rape culture

The Gender Equity Center provides support and offers a welcoming space for students.  Its goal is to offer response, education, awareness, and prevention programs on issues pertaining to sexual assault, stalking, intimate partner violence, and gender equity.  Gender Equity Coordinator Jennifer Wenderoth-Holster provides victim-centered crisis services, advocacy, resources, referrals and confidential consultation on issues pertaining to sexual violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, and gender equity.