Take Back the Night, the Office of Student Culture and Belonging, and other campus organizations have embarked on a mission to combat sexual assault on campus, holding a Sexaul Assault Prevention Summit to get the campus community involved. Hosted on October 26, the event aimed to raise awareness about sexual assault and intervene during the “red zone.”
The term “red zone” refers to a critical period during the academic year, extending from orientation through winter break, when students on campus are most vulnerable to sexual assault. The event, taking place in the UCC Tech Flex, aimed to empower and educate community members, with the goal of making Stevens a safe and supportive environment for everyone.
The objectives of this summit were two-fold. First and foremost, it serves as a platform for Stevens community members to gain a comprehensive understanding of the resources available on campus for reporting and preventing sexual assault. Furthermore, it aims to shed light on the crucial post-assault care resources that can aid survivors on their journey to recovery. Education is the first step in bringing about change, and the summit promises to be an enlightening experience for all who participate.
The second key objective of the summit is to foster solidarity and support among the Stevens community. When tackling an issue as severe and pervasive as sexual assault, we must come together as a united front. By standing together, we can create a safer and more inclusive campus environment that enables everyone to thrive without fear.
The summit featured a keynote speech by Joy Hoover, a women’s safety activist, inventor, public speaker, and co-founder of Esoes Cosmetics. Additional features of the event included raffles, food, and bystander intervention training.
During the event, participants heard from survivors, advocates, and professionals in the field who shared their experiences, insights, and knowledge. The summit also provided practical information on accessing campus resources and support services. Understanding the reporting process, prevention measures and the availability of post-assault care can make all the difference in creating a safe and supportive environment on campus.
Take Back the Night Planning has helped Stevens take a significant step forward in the fight against sexual assault. By uniting in the face of adversity, we can foster a campus culture that is intolerant of sexual assault. The summit represents a critical step towards achieving this shared vision.
Take Back the Night and this summit is an ongoing effort, and remaining vigilant and dedicated to making lasting change are the best ways to continue. By supporting programs on campus and actively participating in events like the summit, we can create a brighter and safer future for all members of the Stevens community.
