Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April 2019
Understanding Sexual Violence
When someone forces, manipulates, or coerces another person into sexual activity, they commit sexual violence. This happens any time a person does not or cannot give consent. Reasons someone might not be able to consent include:
- Fear
- Illness
- Disability
- Influence of alcohol or other drugs
Sexual violence includes a range of actions and behaviors. Some examples include: rape, child sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, and sexual harassment.
Sexual violence happens to people of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, professions, incomes, and ethnicities. It happens every day in our communities, schools, and workplaces.
Your Voice Has Power!
What influences your beliefs about sexual violence?
- Your ideas about sexual violence might be informed by TV shows, movies, news reporting, and other forms of media.
- The reality is that sexual assault in the media is often inaccurate and doesn’t tell the whole story.
- Reflect on where you’ve seen sexual violence shown or talked about. How might that have impacted your views or led to assumptions you make about sexual assault?
How your Words affect others:
- Chances are someone you know is a survivor of sexual violence. They might not have told anyone out of fear of being blamed or judged.
- If someone in your life is considering sharing something personal with you, they are likely listening to your opinions or attitudes for clues on how you will respond.
- A comment or joke might not seem like a big deal, but it could make someone feel unsafe about sharing personal or painful things with you.
What can you do?
- Don’t wait for a critical moment to say the right things. The words you choose every day communicate your values.
- When you hear comments that blame victims or make light of sexual violence, speak up so others know you don’t agree. Even if you don’t have a perfect response, this shows you do not believe in stereotypes, you believe survivors, and you’re a safe person to talk to.
- Our words shape the world around us.
- Whether you are showing your support for a survivor or helping someone better understand these issues, your voice is powerful and necessary in this conversation.
Survivors of Sexual Assault Group
This confidential group is for individuals who are survivors of sexual trauma. This group provides a safe space for students to receive support and discuss their trauma without fear of being judged.
Students who have not done so, must complete an intake prior to
attending group and can join at any time.
Please contact Counseling Services directly to register for the group at
309-341-7492 or send an email to counseling@knox.edu.
Resources
Upcoming Events
Fresh Check Day Interest Meeting
Thursday, Apr 4, 2019, 04:00 PM
Alumni Hall, Trustees Room
Helping a Friend with Depression Workshop
Tuesday, Apr 9, 2019, 04:00 PM
Wilson House
Helping a Friend with Anxiety
What do you do when your friend is having anxiety and can't calm down? How can you best support someone who is struggling with anxiety? This workshop will explore common anxiety symptoms and what you can do to appropriately support someone with anxiety by starting the conversation, being a friend, and getting advice.
Monday, Apr 15, 2019, 04:00 PM
Alumni Hall, 115
Denim Day
Wednesday, Apr 24, 2019, 12:00 AM
Everywhere
Clothesline Project
For those who have been affected by violence, this is a means of expressing their emotions by decorating a t-shirt. After the shirts have been decorated, they are hung on a clothesline display.
Rain Location: Ferris Lounge
Wednesday, Apr 24, 2019, 09:30 AM
Plomin Terrace
Take Back the Night
The Take Back The Night Foundation serves to create safe communities and respectful relationships through awareness. They seek to end sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse and all other forms of sexual violence.
Rain Location: Seymour Hall
Wednesday, Apr 24, 2019, 06:30 PM
Plomin Terrace
RECESS
Thursday, Apr 25, 2019, 10:00 AM
Ferris Lounge
Stress Management Workshop
Wednesday, May 8, 2019, 04:00 PM
Wilson House
Active Minds Interest Meeting
Thursday, May 9, 2019, 04:00 PM
Alumni Hall, Trustees Room
Counseling Services
Making an appointment is easy! Calling is the fastest way to schedule an appointment, but you can also visit our office or send us an email!
Current Staff:
Janell McGruder – Dean for Student Wellness/Director of Counseling Services
Megan Downs – Assistant Director, Counselor
Emily Trulson - Counselor
Claire Palmer – Intake Coordinator
Vicki Swedlund - Administrative Assistant
Email: counseling@knox.edu
Website: https://www.knox.edu/offices/health-and-counseling-center/counseling-services
Location: Furrow Hall, 175 West Knox St.
Phone: 309-341-7492
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knoxcollegecounselingservices/