Sexual assault is a serious problem, particularly on college campuses. 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men are sexually assaulted in college, yet only 13% of survivors report assault. This is a growing problem, and has recently received national attention in the form of the “Its On Us” campaign. Launched by the White House, the campaign encourages action against sexual assault. SAAC, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, is partnering with this initiative in an attempt to change attitudes at the University regarding sexual assaults. Anyone can take the pledge at ItsOnUs.org, with the option of changing their Facebook or Twitter picture to the campaign logo.
Additionally, the “I Will” campaign has been launched at the University as a student-led initiative with similar goals as the “Its On Us” campaign. The campaign’s website offers various options to take action, including attending weekly gatherings where students can engage in dialogue regarding sexual assault on campus, and donating to the campaign. More information on how to get involved and what events will be held on campus can be found at www.umichiwill.com.
The University’s campaign is in conjunction with “Good Kids,” a play by Naomi Iizuka that is part of “Expect Respect: Flip the Script,” part of the sexual assault prevention initiative on campus. The play is directed by Gillian Eaton, an assistant professor of theatre and drama, and focuses on, “the very public aftermath of a sexual assault and its cover-up among students at a Midwest high school.” Tickets for the play are available here, and the play will run from October 2-5 and October 9-12 at the Arthur Miller Theatre on North Campus.
There are many ways to commit to preventing sexual assault on campus, and these campaigns are essential to promoting productive conversation on these issues.
Contributed by Gaby Vasquez Photo Courtesy of http://mgosaac.org/call-action/