In This Space: Disrupted focuses on geographies of space and violence. Like many rape myths, associating certain locations (or people) with violence can otherize victims and survivors whose experiences do not match with the public narrative. Both Hollaback! and harassmap have focused on naming public locations in which harassment occurs. This exhibit examines the public and private locations of trauma. We hope it raises awareness and challenges static narratives so that survivors may be supported in all spaces.
Survivor-Centered Programs
It is all of our responsibilities to end sexual violence, every day of the year.
The Women's Center works with colleagues, students, and community members on issues of sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking violence prevention throughout the year. We also work to support survivors and provide programs that improve self-confidence and leadership in women as part of a broader culture change about women's roles in society. We provide annual programming and also incorporate these topics into smaller programs each semester.
Take Back the Night
Take Back the Night is an annual event and march to take back the night from sexual and domestic violence. Everyone, regardless of gender identity, is encouraged to participate in these series of events that focus on survivor experiences. This event occurs annually on the first Thursday in April.
Domestic Violence Awareness
We are proud to have previously brought individuals such as Beverly Gooden and Drea Kelly to campus as part of annual domestic violence awareness programming.
Arts and Exhibitions
These programs provide an opportunity to: centralize survivor stories in our understanding of sexual, dating, and domestic violence, and stalking; place the onus of prevention to fall on perpetrators rather than survivors; combat rape myths and stigma; and build empathy within our community for survivor stories.
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"What Were You Wearing?"
The 鈥淲hat Were You Wearing?鈥 survivor art installation originated at the University of Arkansas in 2013, and has since become a national movement. Using survivors' descriptions of the clothing that was worn at the time of sexual assaults, organizers find close-matching clothing and display it with the descriptions. The exhibit challenges the notion that what people are wearing causes sexual violence. The OHIO exhibit includes 41 personal experiences of students, community members, and more.
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Through the Survivors' Lens
Through the Survivors鈥 Lens provides a compelling, visual means for provoking thought and reflection within the University community. 52 photographs are presented, from 20 survivors. Some photographs reflect childhood trauma, sexual violence in college and domestic violence in long-term marital relationships. The physical exhibit provides descriptions via audio, braille, and text formats. 360 video, photos, and descriptions are available virtually.
Get Involved
If you want to get involved in programming, or would like information about receiving an exemption from mandatory reporting, please visit the Presidential Advisory Council to End Sexual Misconduct website.
Women's Center staff is required by law to report cases of sexual assault, sexual misconduct, and domestic violence to the Office of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance. This applies to all of our events as well, unless it is specifically noted that an event or program has received a mandatory reporting exemption. Information about reporting is available through the ECRC website. They also provide information about confidential resources.