VSU to Host Events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

VALDOSTA -- In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), Valdosta State University's Office of Health Promotions is coordinating a number of events in April to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate the campus about the fastest growing, yet most underreported, violent crime in the United States.

Justice in Motion 5K Run/Walk at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, at McKey Park

The Haven Sexual Assault Center in Valdosta will host a run/walk to benefit its Sexual Assault Center at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, at McKey Park, located at the corner of Oak Street and Roosevelt Drive. The entry fee is $20, and T-shirts will be given on a first-come-first-serve basis. Register online at https://www.runsignup.com/Race/GA/Valdosta/InauguralJusticeInMotion5KRunWalk or call The Haven at 229-231-7047. E-mail Tessa Carder at rcc@valdostahaven.org. or call The Haven for more information.

R.A.D. Classes at 6 p.m. on April 5, 7, 12 and 14 in the Student Union

The Office of Health Promotions invites faculty, staff and students to participate in a free 12-hour Rape, Aggression, Defense course from 6-9 p.m. April 5, 7, 12 and 14 in the Student Union Ballroom. The public is also encouraged to participate in the four-part RAD class, but a $5 fee is required to cover material costs. To register, call Health Promotions at (229) 245-3896 or go online at
www.valdosta.edu/studentaffairs/healthpromotions/forms/radsignup.php.

SAAM Day of Action: Informational Booths from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, in the Student Union

Information about sexual assault awareness will be available at booths set up from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, in the Student Union.

College Panhellenic Council Greek Step Show at 7 p.m. on Tuesday April 12, in the P.E. Complex

Members of the Greek community will be raising money and awareness for National Sexual Assault Awareness Day during the CPC Greek Step Show at 7 p.m. on Tuesday April 12, in the P.E. Complex. For more information, call Greek Life at 229-333-5674.

Jeans 4 Justice

Decorate your jeans from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6, in the Student Union craft room or bring donated jeans to the Student Life Office by April 22. Jeans, decorated to bring awareness to sexual violence, will be displayed during Take Back the Night. Jeans 4 Justice is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending sexual violence through creative awareness campaigns and thought-provoking educational programs. Even if you cannot or do not want to decorate jeans, please consider donating a few pairs to this worthy cause.

Take Back the Night at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27, on the VSU front lawn

Join the VSU community during Take Back the Night -- an internationally held march and candlelight vigil to protest rape and other forms of sexual violence -- at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27, on the VSU front lawn. The night will begin in front of West Hall and then journey throughout campus to hear from a variety of speakers.

Go to the Take Back the Night Web site at www.takebackthenight.org/ for more information about the movement.

For more information about any of the SAAM events, call Health Promotions at 229-245-3896 or e-mail Health Educator Holly Wright at hhwright@valdosta.edu.