Clark State College’s Sexual Violence Prevention Team has created a month full of educational and interactive ways to address the spectrum of violence; this includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, gender-based harassment, and stalking.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention month and beginning April 11, Project Woman of Ohio will display “What Were You Wearing?” - an exhibit that brings awareness to the prevalence of sexual assault and combats victim-blaming.
“It is important that we continue our efforts to empower victims, raise awareness, and educate the community about prevention,” said Melinda Van Noord, counseling coordinator for Clark State. “Clark State's Sexual Violence Prevention Team is honored to again host Project Woman's ‘What Were You Wearing?’ exhibit.”
The "What Were You Wearing?" exhibit is a powerful display, featuring stories of survivors of sexual assault displayed alongside their clothing. This exhibit will be displayed in the TLC rotunda from April 11 through April 15.
Van Noord said the display is created by Project Woman victim advocates, who pair survivors' sexual assault stories with outfits depicting what they were wearing.
“This is a very powerful display-its purpose is to dispel victim blaming myths and empower survivors,” she said. “We have hosted the exhibit for several years, but this year the event will be more interactive. Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors to the display will be able to participate in a collaborative art project; this will be a creative outlet for expressing their emotions after viewing the display, while honoring survivors.”
Van Noord said crisis resources, access to counseling, along with information about active bystander intervention (taking action when a witness observes a potentially harmful situation) will also be available.
Also beginning on April 11, and for the remainder of the month, Clark State will hold the Empty Chair Campaign.
“Teal - the color for sexual assault awareness - chairs will be placed around campus,” said Van Noord. “The chairs symbolize absences from important life activities, such as education, because of the aftermath of sexual violence or harassment. A message, ‘Why I'm not on campus today,’ will be posted on the chair detailing how the traumatic incident is impacting their life.
Van Noord explained that an example of a chair message might be: "I couldn't make it to class today because my car broke down. Because I am a survivor of sexual assault, I am fearful of walking to campus or taking the bus."
Resources will be listed along with the explanation of absence.
“The chairs will be a powerful reminder of the impact and prevalence of sexual violence and a reminder to survivors that the campus community supports them,” said Van Noord. “We hope that our Sexual Assault Awareness Month programming will build unity against sexual violence and empower victims to tell their stories.”
Additional April Programming Includes:
Collaborative Art Experience
Monday, April 11 – Wednesday, April 13 │ 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. │ TLC Rotunda
At the What Were You Wearing? Exhibit, participants will have the opportunity to work on a collaborative art experience with Kristi Limes, Ohio State University MSW Intern.
Ohio Wears Blue Day - Wednesday, April 13
Join the Clark State community in showing support for child abuse and neglect prevention by wearing blue, the color for child abuse prevention awareness.
Clark State Supports Survivors of Sexual Abuse Day – Wednesday, April 20
Show support for victims of sexual abuse by wearing teal, the color for sexual violence prevention.
Anyone who is concerned about how they are feeling after participating in scheduled events can contact Counseling Services for assistance: 937.328.7961 | vannoordm@clarkstate.edu.