Education Leads To Better Understanding

Mon., April 10, 2000

Meghan Finley Ferris

One of the more important issues facing teens is sexual assault and yet what do we truly know about it? This is an issue that has been taboo and still remains so in many aspects of our lives.

However, by educating ourselves and others of the affects that sexual assault has upon us, we can improve the knowledge and quality of life for all.

This is something I learned by joining a group called Youth for a SAFE Spokane (Sexual Assault Free Environment). Through YSS I have learned to overcome my own beliefs regarding stereotypes and to help those around me when they are faced with the affects of this issue. Without this information, I don’t know where I would be in my life.

For instance, did you know that one in three girls and one in five boys experience some form of sexual abuse by the time they are 16? Another fact is that 84 percent of all sexual assaults are committed by someone we know even if they are only an acquaintance.

But what can we do when we hear these things? Many try to convince themselves that it won’t happen to them. But with one rape or attempted rape occurring every 1.6 minutes, we have to realize it can happen.

To not only protect yourself but those around you as well, you must get the facts. There are many resources available and this week happens to be Sexual Assault Awareness/Action Week.

I encourage you to take time to check out some of these events, especially the rally on Friday, and learn more about sexual assault so you can help prevent it.

This sidebar appeared with the story: Sexual Assault Awareness/Action Week Events

For more information about the week’s events, call Laurie McKettrick at 343-5080.

Today

10 a.m.: STA Bus Plaza Skywalk level - Health Fair featuring more than a dozen community agencies concerned about sexual assault and other forms of violence.

Noon: STA Plaza - Lunch ceremony to commemorate the hard and committed work that volunteers and victims advocates have done.

5:30 p.m.: STA Skywalk level - Vigil and ribbon-tying ceremony to honor survivors of sexual assault.

Tuesday

1 to 2 p.m.: Eastern Washington University, Patterson, 103 - “Sex, Drugs and Attitudes” a discussion by psychologist Russell Kolts on how drinking or perceiving that one has been drinking changes attitudes about when a female wants a partner to stop sexual advances. For more information contact Carol Vines (509) 359-2898.

Wednesday

Noon to 1:30 p.m.: EWU, Patterson, 103 - “Tough Guise,” an educational video that examines the relationship between images of popular culture and the social construction of masculine identities in the United States.

7 to 9 p.m.: COPS West, 1901 W. Boone - Community meeting hosted by the Washington Department of Corrections, COPS West and the Spokane Sexual Assault Center. Topics include: sex offenders in Spokane and child sexual abuse prevention.

7 to 9 p.m.: EWU Pub - WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get), music, entertainment and activities designed to raise awareness of campus sexual assault. Contact Michelle Pringree (509) 359-4350.

Thursday

7 to 9 p.m.: Northeast Community Center, 4001 N. Cook - Community meeting about sex offenders in Spokane and child sexual abuse prevention.

Friday

11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Top floor of the Masonic Temple, 1108 W. Riverside - Youth for a SAFE Spokane (YSS) hosts a Sexual Assault Prevention Rally featuring speakers, teen bands, awards, community booths and more.

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