As we approach spring break, I want to introduce myself and make you aware of resources that exist on campus for anyone who has been directly or indirectly affected by sexual assault, dating/domestic violence or stalking. As the College’s Coordinator of Sexual Violence Education & Advocacy, I am here to help you.
Sexual or relationship violence and stalking are sometimes referred to collectively as power-based personal violence. If you have been affected by power-based personal violence, remember that you are not alone and that what happened was not your fault. We can provide support and confidential resources on- and off-campus to help you heal. That could mean assistance with housing options and medical care, explaining the judicial process and options for filing judicial/criminal charges, or simply listening and offering support.
Feel free to stop in my office in Cro 222 at any time to speak in confidence about your options. I am a trained advocate for victims of power-based personal violence. I can also be a resource for friends of victims, and faculty and staff who may be supporting them.
Providing services to victims of violence is just one of my roles. The ultimate goal is to reduce the number of people who become victims of violence to begin with. In this context, we will be offering a whole array of education and awareness programming in April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Activities include Take Back The Night, Green Dot Training, movie nights and round-table discussions. Look for posters with more details when you return from spring break, or visit our Web site http://thinksafe.conncoll.edu/ for ways to get involved.
These activities are being coordinated through the Think S.A.F.E. project, which stands for Think Sexual Assault-Free Environment. We are currently taking applications for SafetyNet, the peer education component of Think S.A.F.E., as well as three internship positions for next year. Email me at dfolsom@conncoll.edu for more information.
As a community, we need to work together to end power-based personal violence. If each one of us plays a part, we can promote safety for everyone and communicate utter intolerance for sexual violence, dating/domestic violence and stalking. As Albert Einstein said, “the world is a dangerous place; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.”
– Darcie Fulsom
