Yesterday, the University of Akron was visited by Janet Black, assistant director of the Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties. The event, called “Women-Filled Wednesday,” served to promote the Rape Crisis Center and this Friday’s “Take Back the Night” event to raise awareness to end sexual violence.

The Rape Crisis Center of Summit and Medina Counties has four employees at their Summit County office and two employees in Medina County. The Crisis Center provides valuable services to rape victims, as well as volunteer and internship programs for the general public. Although the Crisis Center does not provide counseling from their agency, they provide face-to-face crisis intervention, justice system advocacy, education, and a twenty-four hour hotline.

The Justice System Advocacy program serves to help rape victims that are interested in pressing charges against their alleged attacker. Justice system advocates will answer questions pertaining to pressing charges, filing police reports, alternative legal remedies, or any other legal question a victim may have.

“Sexual assault still tends to be a crime that the victim takes on the responsibility for. Society is more than willing to push that responsibility there, as well,” Black said.

Face-to-face intervention helps victims process their assault, by attempting to normalize their emotions and the turmoil they may be experiencing. Victims often need to be reminded that they are experiencing a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. “We have advocates on call 24/7 to come to the hospital to be a support for that victim,” Black said. “Someone will always be there to support a rape victim when they come to the hospital,” she added. Group therapy sessions are also made available to victims that would benefit from them.

Another priority of the Rape Crisis Center is to provide public education of the nature of sexual assault. To raise awareness for their cause, the Crisis Center is hosting a “Take Back the Night” rally this Friday, October 10. Take Back the Night is a historic event that has roots as early as 1877. During this rally, survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence will share their stories to raise awareness and become empowered. The night will end in a march through downtown Akron, in the hope that someday, women will be able to walk the streets in safety. “Violence does cut across all socioeconomic levels, all educational levels, all racial groups. It is an equal opportunity destroyer,” Black said.

As for the frequency of sexual assault on college campuses, Black said “Of course things vary greatly from campus to campus. A lot of things depend greatly upon how open that campus is to reporting [cases]. In terms of working with police departments, the University of Akron’s police department has responded phenomenally.”

If any readers have been sexually assaulted, remember: your body is the crime scene. Refrain from brushing your teeth or showering. Leave your clothing on and get to a hospital as soon as possible. Evidence could be found for up to ninety-six hours at St. Thomas Hospital and seventy-two hours at most other hospitals. Victims should get to a hospital however possible. Many victims get rides from a friend or family member, but if you feel the need to call 911, please do so. After seeking medical attention and being evaluated by a forensics nurse, a representative from the Crisis Center will be contacted.

Take Back the Night

Friday, October 10th, 2008

6 PM- 9PM

First Grace United Church of Christ

350 S. Portage Path

Akron, OH

24 Hour Hotline

1-877-906-7273 (RAPE)

My friend Manny ended up winning and my other friend Tom came in second place. I was proud of both of them but at the same time I teased Manny for being so knowledgeable about statistics on rape and violence Hahahaha All of my friends agree that more people should know more about rape and violence. Maybe if we spread the word, we can help be able to prevent rape and violence.

The second movie we saw was A veiled revolution which I thought was OK but did not like as much as the first one. It was a bit outdated also and I was wondering what the women were choosing to do in Egypt right now.

I also attended the 12:00 showing of the movie Veiled Revolution on Wednesday April 23. This movie was about the women in Egypt and how many women living there today are reverting back to thier old way of dress by choice. These women are not being forced by the government to cover thier hair or wear long gowns, but some choose to to show thier extreme devotion to God and the Koran. Some of the women even go so far as to wear the full face coverings and gloves so that you can hardly tell that their is a person inside (but these are only a few). In this movie you hear the women of Eygpt discuss the different views about western dress and influence and why they feel it is necessary to avoid the western culture. I found it extremely interesting that some women would actually want to dress that way and cover thier hair, but that shows the difference of our cultures.

After the veiled revolution we talked some about the second movie with the canadian islamic activist. She was very passionate about reforming the ways of islamic women and having them get rid of the traditonal veils and face coverings. She even went so far as to go over to the middle east and purchase one of the heavy face veils and gowns to try it on and see just how hot and restrictive they were. She was a funny women with a strong opinion and personality and hopefully she will be able to convince the women of islam to stand up for thier rights and dress and act it the way they see fit.