Sexual Assault Awareness Month on Campus
White Ribbon Campaign Credit: Marley Pope ‘25
This article contains potentially triggering content, including discussions of sexual assault and violence.
Along with the rest of the nation, Marist College highlighted Sexual Assault Awareness Month during April with the help of the Title IX office, which planned a variety of events to spread awareness and recognize the importance of ending sexual violence.
Title IX spread awareness by handing out teal ribbons in the Champagnat Breezeway for students to pin to their clothes. Wearing teal, which is the designated color of sexual assault prevention, is one of the many ways to show support and compassion for survivors of sexual assault.
One of the most anticipated events was the Take Back the Night Walk, the oldest worldwide movement to stand against sexual violence. Before the walk, the executive director of the Take Back the Night Foundation, Katie Koestner, spoke to the attendees in the Fusco Recital Hall.
Koestner was the first woman in history to speak out nationally as a victim of date rape. With an abounding history of hardship and achievement, Koestner spends time giving lectures to schools and corporations globally to continue the mission of ending sexual violence.
After hearing from Koestner, students initiated a candlelit walk around campus. The event also featured a speak-out series, which allowed students and faculty to speak out about their personal experiences with sexual assault.
“I really appreciate the Title IX office; they always make it a safe space for people to speak out,” said Paige Graff ‘24, SGA vice president of student wellbeing. “As a survivor myself, I’m very appreciative to be given the opportunity to share my story.”
A spin-off of Take Back the Night called Take Back The Mic occurred the following evening. There, students were invited to share pieces of poetry, songs, stories and any artwork that they connected with regarding sexual assault awareness.
“While each event was impactful, I was especially moved by the turnout and engagement for Take Back the Mic,” said Eliza Benfer, Title IX outreach coordinator. “We were all moved to tears by the messages and bravery witnessed that evening.”
Another event hosted by Graff was called Coffee and Consent. Coupled with teal mocktails and coffee, Coffee and Consent provided resources and activities to spread awareness and support regarding Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
“Any event that gets any bit of turnout, I’m happy about it,” said Graff. “I understand, especially with the topic of sexual assault awareness, that it can be really triggering for people, so I never take it personally when not a lot of people show.”
The month concluded with the White Ribbon Walk and Denim Day on April 24.
The White Ribbon Walk Campaign is the world’s largest movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls. Members from a variety of Marist athletic teams participated in the walk around campus, including students on the women’s basketball team, football team and men's and women’s rowing teams.
Marist also recognized Denim Day, an international campaign to raise awareness about sexual assault and victim blaming. Students, faculty and staff were encouraged to sport their denim apparel to show support and stop by a table in the Champagnat Breezeway to collect pins, stickers and denim ribbons.
“The clothes do not determine the consent — it never matters what you are wearing,” said Madison Wood ‘25. “This whole event is just showing that you shouldn't blame the victim because it's never the victim’s fault.”
Sitting alongside students at the table was campus advocate Tam, who acts as a completely confidential resource for students and staff who have experienced sexual assault and other victimizations. “[Students] can walk by, read a sign, participate by writing a patch or spinning the wheel and talk to us about what’s going on,” said Tam.
After being involved in many similar events, Tam said she can recognize those who might not want to participate but find meaning and comfort in the presence of the event. “Events like this show folks who aren’t ready, or don’t feel like they want to share what they experienced, or what a loved one experienced, that they're not alone,” she said.
These kinds of organizations, as well as the College as a whole, encourage students to speak out and report incidents to promote well-being on campus and ensure safety for everyone.
“I would urge students to know that they aren't alone when it comes to sexual assault,” said Graff. “There are so many resources on and off-campus for them, and I know through my journey that Marist has been incredibly supportive.”