Sexual assault workshops visit dormitories, sororities

Several student groups, partnered with the office of Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Gaal, are leading workshops around campus to educate students on the dangers of sexual assault.

The workshop, “Blame It On The Alcohol?: The Truths, Myths, and Laws of Sexual Assault,” focuses on sexual assault in a college campus environment, prevention and consequences.

“The whole idea is to do prevention work, but really what we know about sexual assault is that you can’t really prevent it, but there are things you can do that are risk reducers,” said Teri Guhl, senior and social work intern at Monroe County Court.

The workshop is a program with discussions, tips, interactive scenarios by R.A.I.S.E., Raising Awareness of Interactions in Sexual Encounters, and a presentation from Rebecca Veidlinger, a sex crimes prosecutor.

“Rebecca’s position is a rare one in a small community like ours, but it shows that sexual assault does happen here,” Guhl said.

President of the Women’s Student Association and senior Cami Ward said the workshops focus on how sexual assault happens specifically in a campus setting.

“The workshops talk about drinking and party culture, the importance of communicating and what consent means, and what you can do if you see someone who is maybe going to be taken advantage of,” Ward said.

Ward explained that people should do as much as they can to prevent sexual assault, but that the ultimate responsibility lies on the assaulters.

“The point is to stop rapists from raping, not to tell girls to carry Mace or not to get too drunk,” Ward said.

Guhl and Ward agreed that the recent report of rape on campus further emphasizes the message of prevention and the seriousness of sex crimes.

“Sexual assault is a major problem and to address it we need to change the culture that promotes sexual assault,” Ward said. “What happened on campus recently is a reminder of how serious this problem is and that it does happen here.”

The workshops have been presented in residence halls and greek houses during the past week, with the last presentation tonight at Delta Gamma sorority.

Hannah Bick, a freshman and member of Delta Gamma, said she plans to attend the workshop to educate herself on the dangers of sexual assault.

“I think it’s something to be aware of on a big college campus, especially being in a sorority,” Bick said. “I hope to learn precautions I can take, not only for myself but for others as well.”

For those who missed the workshops, Guhl stresses the importance of victims not feeling guilt from assault.

“It is not ever the victim’s fault,” Guhl said. “There are things we can do to prevent sexual assault as best as possible, and I would say the number one thing is to trust your gut.”