Campus sexual assault posters raise awareness

As the new school year begins, Concord University is abuzz with gossip. Anyone that spends time on campus is bound to notice the increased number of posters for sexual assault awareness. They are springing up everywhere, from bulletin boards to bathroom stalls. While similar posters were displayed last semester, their numbers seem to have tripled this semester. With the memory of last spring’s alleged sexual assault still fresh in students’ minds, it’s easy to imagine the student apprehension that surrounds these posters.

Although people don’t directly voice their discomfort, the complaints against these posters seem to be made out of unease rather than incon- venience. After all, no one complains when event posters are slapped to every available surface in the Student Center or when campus organizations advertise in sidewalk chalk. It isn’t the volume of the posters that has Concord students buzzing. It’s the content. People don’t want to be reminded that sexual assault happens every day, and that college campuses are particular hot spots. The increase in the volume of sexual assault awareness posters should be reassuring to students, not frightening. Dr. Marjie Flanigan, Concord University’s Vice President of Student Affairs and Title IX co-ordinator, assures the students, “Our intent is not to scare anyone, but to raise awareness to a very real problem.”

Dr. Flanigan also explains the reasoning behind the sudden increase of posters at the beginning of this semester: “The first half of the fall semester— from check-in to fall break—is known as The Red Zone. Although sexual assault can occur at any time, the Red Zone is the most vulnerable time, especially for college freshmen. You have students away from home for the first time and they may experiment with drinking and partying.”

These posters, besides providing contact information for Concord University’s Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), provide useful information regarding what constitutes an assault and how to keep oneself out of dangerous situations. They also show students that the university provides resources in the event of an assault.

Dr. Flanigan says that “The second part of the poster campaign is to make students aware of available resources.” Too often, assault cases go unreported because the victim doesn’t know where to turn. This poster campaign may be what gives an assault victim the courage to get the help they deserve rather than suffering in silence.

The most common complaint seems to be that the posters “just scare the new freshman.” A little apprehension may go a long way in benefitting new students. For many students, college is the first taste of being out on their own. Young people need to be educated on the dangers they face in the real world so that they can take the proper measures to protect themselves instead of being blind sided by a harsh reality when it’s too late.

Sexual assault is a topic that makes people uncomfortable, especially young adults that still have a sense of youthful invincibility. They believe that if they blind themselves to it, it isn’t real. Sexual assault isn’t an imaginary issue, and it isn’t going to solve itself. The first step in making a difference in sexual assault is being educated on the matter. Ignorance won’t reduce the number of assaults or help victims.

themselves and one another as well as make them aware of the resources offered by the university: “Students need to look out for each other and be smart and safe! Mutual respect and consent can save a lot of heart- ache and trouble. Remember that you have a lot of resources and support at Concord, from Campus Police, to Housing & Residence Life Staff, to Student Affairs, and more.” Sexual assault isn’t a problem that can be solved by ink and paper; however, spreading awareness on such a malicious epidemic is a good start.