Next time you’re sitting with a group of people, look at the person on your right. Then look at the person on your left. Ask yourself, “Which of us will it be?” Sadly, one in three women and one of every four men experiences intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
All year, every year, OTC takes a stand against violence. Each April, the spotlight is on sexual assault. Statistics show that, in addition to its horrible frequency, sexual assault crosses background, education and age. College students can be especially vulnerable, with only 10% likely to report the crime. And these statistics are not just numbers. They are people, on our campus and in our classes, workplaces and homes.
So what can you do to reduce violence in our communities and support survivors? Learning about personal safety is empowering, and OTC provides great resources. Green Dot is a campus program that teaches strategies and encourages bystander intervention. Project Heal provides students, employees and faculty with a place on campus to have conversations about consent and healthy relationships, along with reporting and support. Safe Colleges is an online training program for students to increase awareness and gain practical, proactive tips for personal and community safety. And our Counseling Services team is available to help OTC students with any issue that affects their health and safety, on campus or off.
Chances to earn, learn and participate
We want every OTC student to learn how to keep themselves and others safe. This academic year there are two new, special scholarship opportunities for students who participate in violence prevention training. Complete OTC’s Green Dot or Safe Colleges training and you could win a raffle for a $500 scholarship. (Visit our scholarship opportunities page for more information.)
Want to help? Participate in our upcoming events to continue the conversation and learn how to support survivors of intimate partner violence.
“Donut” Forget About Consent: April 20, 8 – 10 a.m., Jared Family Atrium
“Audrie and Daisy” Documentary Screening: April 25, 2 – 3:30 p.m., ICW 108 B/C, and Virtual
“Audrie and Daisy” Panel Discussion: April 26, 2 – 3 p.m., Virtual
#Denim Day: April 27, All Day, Everywhere
Bystander Intervention Certification Training: April 29, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., ICW 108 B/C
Need help? If you or someone you know needs support or resources, contact projectheal@otc.edu or counseling@otc.edu. We want our OTC community to be welcoming and safe for all.