Sexual awareness forum offers facts and advice about assault on campus

ALEXA BOYCE

Staff Writer

What would you do if you or some-one you know were sexually assaulted? This was the topic of discussion at the One in Four Panel Discussion on Wednesday night. There were five panel members, including Robyn Paige (04), Jeff Snow (05), Diane Crites, Christine Vogel, associate professor of philosophy Dr. Nicholas Dixon and One in Four Walk Across America participant Joe McCarthy. The One in Four presentation on Monday night detailed the walk of McCarthy and three of his friends from Central Michigan University. They walked to raise awareness on sexual assault, their name stemming from the statistic that one in four women are sexually assaulted in their lifetime. This panel discussion highlighted what Alma students can do about it.

Dixon, who teaches a course on the Philosophy of Love and Sex, spoke about ethics and prevention of attacks. He stressed that the discussion was not meant to be “male-bashing”. However, sometimes the lines deciding what is considered assault can be blurred. Men need to be just as aware of sexual assault as women in order to protect themselves from unknowingly committing date rape. Dixon gave the argument that while it is not smart for a woman to get drunk and put herself in a dangerous situation, this is not giving males any credit. “Men are not Siberian tigers, who have to pounce on a woman simply because she is there,” said Dixon.

Crites spoke on what to do medically if there is an attack. “Rape is always forceful. Medical exams are for detecting these injuries and possible STDs,” said Crites. She explained that students who are attacked should go to Gratiot County Hospital immediately to have a rape kit administered by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. Even if the victim says they do not want to press charges, this kit will give them the option to do so if they change their mind in the future. This also ensures that the attack is reported. McCarthy stated that CMU probably has the highest number of assaults reported, and he is proud. “The report rates indicate not the number of assaults, but how well the school has done at making students feel comfortable reporting.” If interested in Alma’s statistics, they are on the website under the Student Life page as well as in the handbook. Crites gave a reason for victims to report assaults and actively raise awareness: “[Rape] is about power. This is a way to get your power back.”

Vogel spoke on the spiritual side of an attack. She asserted that we are observers and we must watch out for each other. Alma College has specially designated “safe spaces” that are open at all times for victims of sexual assault. These spaces include the MacCurdy House, the Kappa Iota house, the Mitchell lobby, and any RA or Hall Director’s room.

This panel also provided a forum for students to ask questions. One student asked what is being done on this campus for prevention and awareness of sexual assault. The answer was a surprisingly long list, including the addition of lighting and security phones on Center Street sponsored by the college and the MacCurdy House, Alpha Phi Omega’s presentation of the movie She Cried No, the Clothesline Project sponsored in October and March by the Women’s Issues Advisory Board, the Sexual Assault Awareness week becoming an annual event, the Self Defense course, and a book club. The Greek community also is trying to raise awareness. They actually contributed to bringing One in Four to campus. A student peer group is also being started, organized by several faculty, students and staff including Jake Acton, Mitchell Hall Director. This is open to all students who truly feel strongly about these issues. Contact Acton at the Student Life Office x8147.

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