April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Colorado State University’s Women & Gender Advocacy Center is observing it with various events designed to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it.
“Sexual Assault Awareness Month provides us an opportunity to provide intentional programming, workshops and awareness regarding sexual assault on college campuses, and is a time that many survivors experience a collective sense of solidarity,” said Kathy Sisneros, director of the Women and Gender Advocacy Center.
The keynote speaker on campus is Wagatwe Wanjuki, an activist and writer who began blogging about feminism and campus rape culture as a student at Tufts University. Wanjuki devotes her work to ending sexual violence on campuses and using new media for social change. She is the founder of one of the first feminist blogs on Tumblr, an alumna of Know Your IX campaign, has written for a variety of publications, including the New York Times, and has appeared on the Daily Show and other television programs. Her talk, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. April 15 in the LSC North Ballroom, is free and open to the public.
Other events scheduled to help create and foster awareness around gender-based violence include:
Speakers’ Bureau
2-4 p.m. April 14, Durrell Center A
Hear stories of those who have been personally affected by gender-based violence.
Take Back the Night
6:30 p.m. April 23, CSU Monfort Quad
This internationally recognized rally and protest creates an atmosphere of empowerment while raising awareness about sexual violence. The event begins with a speak-out and ends with a march to Old Town.
WGAC Open House
10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 24, LSC 234
Stop by the Women and Gender Advocacy Center’s satellite office in the LSC to meet with staff and fellow students. Visitors will have the opportunity to make their own “Grounding Glitter Jar.” Refreshments will be available.
Film Screening & Discussion: The Hunting Ground
4-6 p.m. April 28, LSC 386
The documentary focuses on the discussion surrounding sexual assault on U.S. campuses, institutional cover-ups, and the toll an assault takes on survivors of sexual assault.
Consent Turns Me On Carnival
7-9 p.m. April 30, Durrell Center
The annual consent carnival includes carnival games, prizes, snacks and the CTMO photo booth. This event is sponsored by Residence Life.
Community Resources
The conversation regarding sexual violence has been centered on what the “victim” should do or should have done to prevent the assault for far too long. Here at Colorado State University feeling safe is fundamental to the life and integrity of our campus. CSU’s work to prevent sexual assaults is guided by that, and a few other, core truths: We know that virtually all sexual assaults in our campus community – up to 97 percent — are committed by people the survivor knows and trusts. People of all genders can be perpetrators or survivors. The only person who can prevent a sexual assault is the person who commits the assault. Everyone has a role in prevention.
Confidential University Resources for Survivors
Victim Assistance Team
Phone: (970) 492-4242
112 student services bldg
Trained Advocates are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to provide confidential support and resources to survivors.
Women and Gender Advocacy Center
Phone: (970) 491-6384 Available 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
112 student services bldg
WGAC staff are available to provide ongoing advocacy for survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence, child sexual abuse and stalking. They are able to provide academic, legal, medical, emotional, and student conduct resources.
CSU Health Network Counseling Services
Phone: (970) 491-6053 After Hours:
(970) 491- 7111 *ask to speak to a UCC counselor
The CSU Health Network offers a number of programs including individual therapy and 24-hour emergency services.
Non-confidential University Resources
- Emergency Response: 911
- Title IX Coordinator-Support and Safety Assessment: (970) 491-1350
- CSU Police Dept (non-emergency): (970) 491-6425
- Student Case Management: (970) 491-8051
- Office of Equal Opportunity: (970) 491-5836
Community Resources
Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Center (SAVA)
331 South Meldrum, Fort Collins CO 80521
24-Hour Hotline (970) 472-4200; Office (970) 472-4204
SAVA provides community advocates and counseling to survivors of sexual assault.
Crossroads Safehouse
528 South College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80524
24/7 Helpline: 970-482-3502
1-888-541-SAFE (7233) Toll-free
offers free safehousing, advocacy, legal assistance, transitional housing, and education.
Alternatives to Violence
313 East 4th Street | Loveland, CO 80537
Office: 970-669-5150
8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Mon-Thur, Closed Fri-Sun
After Hours Crisis Hotline: 970-278-2083
*Source: Women and Gender Advocacy Center Reframe brochure
