Spring Break
Letter: Sexual assault awareness should continue at URI
Issue date: 4/21/09 Section: Editorial/Opinion
04/21/09 - To the Cigar,
Thank you for printing last week's editorial on Sexual Assault Awareness Month and for bringing attention to sexual assault awareness. Far too many people do not realize how prevalent sexual assault is, far too many people think it can't happen to them and far too many survivors face an enormous amount of stigma.
Let's not let sexual assault awareness end with an editorial. At the university where I received my undergraduate degree, there is an annual series of sexual assault awareness events that culminates in a Take Back the Night rally. There are many visible resources, such as a hotline number printed on the back of all ID cards, a weekly drop-in survivor's group, and a Web site with policies, resources, and other information.
While I know similar resources exist at URI, I encourage those resources to do more in terms of awareness. People promote awareness of all kinds of issues. For example, take breast cancer. Pink ribbons are everywhere. Most people know what a pink ribbon means. But where are the teal ribbons, the color for sexual assault awareness? Do people even know what a teal ribbon means? Why is it acceptable to promote awareness of breast cancer but not sexual assault?
Statistically, I would bet that sexual assault affects more people than breast cancer. So I challenge you, the URI community, to be part of increasing awareness. Find a teal ribbon and display it. If people ask what it's for, tell them. Never underestimate the power of a small piece of awareness.
Sincerely,
Karen Stamm
Thank you for printing last week's editorial on Sexual Assault Awareness Month and for bringing attention to sexual assault awareness. Far too many people do not realize how prevalent sexual assault is, far too many people think it can't happen to them and far too many survivors face an enormous amount of stigma.
Let's not let sexual assault awareness end with an editorial. At the university where I received my undergraduate degree, there is an annual series of sexual assault awareness events that culminates in a Take Back the Night rally. There are many visible resources, such as a hotline number printed on the back of all ID cards, a weekly drop-in survivor's group, and a Web site with policies, resources, and other information.
While I know similar resources exist at URI, I encourage those resources to do more in terms of awareness. People promote awareness of all kinds of issues. For example, take breast cancer. Pink ribbons are everywhere. Most people know what a pink ribbon means. But where are the teal ribbons, the color for sexual assault awareness? Do people even know what a teal ribbon means? Why is it acceptable to promote awareness of breast cancer but not sexual assault?
Statistically, I would bet that sexual assault affects more people than breast cancer. So I challenge you, the URI community, to be part of increasing awareness. Find a teal ribbon and display it. If people ask what it's for, tell them. Never underestimate the power of a small piece of awareness.
Sincerely,
Karen Stamm
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