Women Resource Center hosts walk to recognize sexual violence on campus

Women’s Resource Center hosted, “Take Back the Night” walk, where several students peacefully circled campus with signs on Nov. 3 to spread awareness for sexual assault on campus. The walk protested sexual violence and supported safety, while encouraging students to speak up against sexual violence.

Junior Zoe Walker said the Take Back the Night walk originated in Philadelphia to raise awareness for crimes against women. Today, the walk typically occurs on college campuses across the country to raise awareness for sexual violence. 

“I think it’s important to raise awareness [about] sexual violence, especially on college campuses,” Walker said. “Although Truman’s stats are low for colleges, it’s still happening.”

Walker presented before the walk, describing her personal experiences and her passion for the cause. Walker shared the most recent Safety and Fire Act statistics, which included three reported rapes on campus, four reported cases of domestic violence, and one reported case of fondling during the previous school year.

Junior Sophia Fiorino said she felt compelled to attend the event to not only acknowledge the cause, but also to feel empowered to make change among likeminded peers. However, she said there are ways for Truman to improve sexual violence awareness on campus. 

“Truman as a university has awareness, but perhaps has not made it a high priority,” Fiorino said. “I think there are ways Truman can improve. I can say I appreciate the help towers [around campus], but I think more publicity around the safe walk home program they have would be great.” 

Truman Department of Public Safety chief Sara Seifert said that the police department has not yet created much educational awareness, but DPS has several upcoming events planned to educate students. In March, DPS will pursue educational efforts for sexual assault awareness month. Seifert also said in the past, DPS hosted other campus events with AVENUES, a domestic assault and sexual violence outreach program. DPS has also attended panels to educate their response to sexual assault and violence, as well as pursued efforts to certify Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. 

Seifert said that even though Truman’s Safety and Fire Act statistics are low, they are severely underreported. Seifert said that some students fear reporting and the criminal system, but Seifert said she works to make the process as comfortable as possible. 

“I think the best thing that we can do is educate people in healthy relationships, how to report, [and] let them feel comfortable in reporting,” Seifert said. “That’s a very personal crime in nature and something that people generally aren’t comfortable talking about, so making them comfortable coming and reporting is probably the best thing I feel like we can do.”

Seifert said there are other options to reporting sexual violence than going through the criminal system. Students can either report to DPS or the Title IX office with the nondiscrimination policy. Seifert said she recommends counseling for victims to talk through their experience.