Letter: Women's Center offers safe haven

04/29/09 - To the Cigar,It is great to read so many articles on sexual assault by people interested in publicly informing students through the paper, though more attention could be received if posted vividly on the page.

After all, Sexual Assault Awareness Month should be sexual assault awareness every day. It is a very critical issue, something very dangerous for students and people in general who are at risk of being a victim.

Fortunately, the University of Rhode Island is one of many schools that prioritize in student's safety and in providing needed confidential help.

With the Women's Center located on 22 Upper College Rd, it is a big yellow house unable to be missed.

The Women's Center has plenty of staff and is designed to be a home where victims of sexual assault or any type of concern can go to for help and advice.

Yet, it is extremely important to point out that the Women's Center is an equal support group trained in handling both male and female matters.

The Women's Center staff is made up of professional advocates specialized in fields of sexual assault. They are trained to identify certain assaults that victims might not be so sure of or have small recollection of.

College years are some of the most exciting times of a person's life yet it may not be our first thought to believe we have been sexually assaulted or raped after being drunk and not remembering.

In many cases this tends to happen, and as victims we might feel unsure, ashamed or might not even believe that what just happened was sexual assault.

Feeling self-guilt many times tends to be a first reaction in victims but it is not correct to assume this. Sexual assault is never a victim's fault. Being drunk or unable to remember is not a reason to deny being sexually assaulted.

But what is sexual assault if you are a victim and don't know it?

According to Assistant Director of Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services Jenn Longa-Moio and Coordinator Keith LaBelle, sexual assault is an act done against a person's will.

It is the touching of any place on a victim's body or forcing the victim to touch any place on the assaulter's body. Sexual assault can involve threats or intimidation. It is sexual assault if violation occurs while the victim is drugged, unconscious, too young, mentally disabled or not being able to agree to the contact.

Most sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows like friends, family or acquaintances.

Often a boyfriend or girlfriend can sexually assault if they force contact or sex on their partner who does not want to engage regardless of the number of times they had sex before.

Finally, the most important thing to know and keep in mind is that being sexually assaulted is not your fault; no one has the right to invade your privacy without your permission.

My advice to students is to enjoy college years safely.

Knowing that at any moment the unexpected happens it is comforting to know that the Women's Center is a great place that has helped and is continuing to help, guide and comfort students male and female.

Thanks to the Women's Center advocates and to the students promoting sexual assault awareness, they help make this campus a more safe and healthy for students to grow.



Aydalina Cordova