Title IX Office celebrates Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about sexual and domestic violence, resources for victims, and ways to get involved and reduce incidents of violence. 

The Title IX office is seizing this opportunity to host activities throughout the month of April to increase awareness of the services available to victims and loved ones, and awareness of the prevalence of sexual and dating violence on campus. 

“With April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Title IX Office wants to raise awareness on the occurrence of sexual violence and its prevalence on college campuses,” said Title IX Coordinator Marcus Foster, “and hopefully to start a conversation in which folks are empowered to speak out should they see problematic behavior on campus and be reassured in wanting to come forward and report any incidents of sexual violence that may be occurring.” 

For the month of April, the Title IX Office has several educational initiatives planned, information on which can be found on their website.

On Tuesday, Apr. 4, the Title IX Office held an event at the Painted Tree where students drank hot chocolate, ate snacks, and painted inspirational messages for victims. The tree now displays messages of strength, healing, and affirmations for victims. 

“We know the importance that the Greek Tree has for this campus community and we want students to take a second, take a minute, to have that pause and to reflect on what far too many folks, far too many victims, have experienced in their lives,” said Foster. “We hope that they take part in writing messages of support for those that have been harmed, but also continue normalizing bystander intervention and speaking out at and acting when these behaviors are occurring.” 

According to the Title IX website, bystander intervention follows the three D’s: direct, distract, and delegate. Bystanders can be direct by explicitly calling out assault, stalking, or other violence that has or is occurring. Bystanders can distract victims or potential victims away from situations where they could potentially be assaulted. Finally, bystanders can delegate any of the above roles to others, such as friends, law enforcement, or other bystanders. 

Junior early childhood education major Madeline Rivera said that one way she thinks she could support victims is by “trusting what they say. People could say ‘Oh, you’re not telling the truth.’ They could be seen as like they’re lying or trying to get something out of it.”

“Title IX is here to help you,” Foster said. “We will treat you with respect. We will give you an opportunity to share as much or as little as you’re comfortable sharing. We’re here to listen to you. We’re here to support you in the immediate aftermath of an incident, but also provide you with ongoing, long-term resources and explain your rights as a college student on this campus.” 

According to Foster, students can get involved by following the Instagram @_geneseotitleixprevent. A list of all of the events throughout the month of April can be found there. 

“We are really excited to have student engagement and have students come together and learn more about these issues,” Foster said. “But [also] to take initiative and be part of the change on this campus.”