One in three women and one in four men will experience intimate partner violence at some point in their lifetime. And, while studies show that rates of victimization among college students are high, it has also been demonstrated that 90 percent of sexual assault victims do not report the crime.
During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that these statistics are not just numbers, but they are people on our campus. They are students sitting next to you in your OTC 101 or PSY 110 class, chatting with friends in the atrium, or grabbing food from Café 101.
Throughout the month of April, Project HEAL at OTC is encouraging you to participate in a community art piece that allows you to share your support with survivors. Write a personal note of encouragement, share your own survivor story, or commit to bystander action. Watch as each of these submissions are rolled into the larger picture of our end goal – a society free from violence.
Submissions can be made anonymously at this link. Additionally, during the week of April 19 – 22, you can contribute to the art piece in person in the Jared Family Atrium on the OTC Springfield Campus. For updates and progress, follow Project Heal on Instagram. For support and resources, contact projectheal@otc.edu.
