April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and a good time to remind our community of the university’s policies and resources related to sexual violence.
Depending on which source you consult, you’ll find an estimated 20 to 25 percent of college women will be victims of sexual violence by the time they graduate. And women aren’t the only ones impacted; men can be victims, too.
When one assault occurs, it threatens the health and safety of our entire community. This is too large a problem to confront on our own. We need your help to make St. Thomas a safe place for everyone.
Please take a moment to review the upcoming campus events, university policies, reporting options and additional resources listed below. Even if you don’t need them right now, it’s important that you are prepared to help a fellow community member if anyone ever tells you she or he has been hurt. Thanks for your help and attention.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Activities
“Play it Safe” Undergraduate Student Government event, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. (convocation hour) on Tuesday, April 13, upper quadrangle. Pick up items that highlight the emergency call boxes (blue lights) on campus, the Public Safety escort program, and the importance of getting to know your neighbors. Look for free food, music and prizes, including Tommie Taxi vouchers.
The Clothesline Project, Monday, April 19, through Friday, April 23, lower quadrangle. The Clothesline Project is co-sponsored by the Women’s Circle, Triota and the Luann Dummer Center for Women.
Take Back the Night, 7 p.m. Monday, April 26. Meet at the Arches. Take Back the Night is co-sponsored by the Women’s Circle, Triota and the Luann Dummer Center for Women.
UST Resources
- University Policy on Sexual Violence
- Confidential places for help: Personal Counseling and Student Health Service
- Places to report sexual violence: Dean of Students and Public Safety
- To join the Sexual Violence Prevention Programming Committee, send an e-mail to co-chairs Birdie Cunningham or Drew Puroway.
Community Resources
- Confidential places for help
- Places to report sexual violence
- United Hospital Emergency Room, St. Paul (651) 241-8755
- Regions Hospital Emergency Room, St. Paul (651) 241-3584)
- Hennepin County Medical Center Sexual Assault Resource Service, Minneapolis (612) 873-5832
- Local police departments (911 in an emergency
Additional Information
- National Public Radio recently aired a story about the prevalence of sexual assault among college students and the challenges to reporting this crime.
- The National Sexual Violence Resource Center has news releases and information about Sexual Assault Awareness Month national activities.
- The Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault has information about upcoming events, how to provide support to victims and survivors, and ideas for prevention.
- The American Association of University Women has a Web site dedicated to the eradication of sexual violence on college campuses.
