Rock Concert Highlights Sexual Assault Prevention

VALDOSTA -- "Rock to Prevent Rape" is the newest in a series of events aimed to increase awareness for the prevention of sexual violence. Each April, Valdosta State University's Counseling Center and Sexual Assault Awareness Committee hosts various classes and presentations in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The concert will take place in conjunction with the university's annual Take Back the Night vigil at 7 p.m. Monday, April 26 in the Student Union Ballroom. Themed "Make Music not Violence," the evening will feature the musical talents of Fifty Thirteen, formally known as The River, and local favorite, The Notion, as well as special speakers and a tribute to local sexual assault victims and survivors. See below for more details.

College age women -- especially freshmen -- are at a greater risk for rape and other forms of sexual assault than women in the general population, according to VSU's Sexual Violence Prevention Program Web site. Leah McMillen, LMFT with VSU's Counseling Department, said the month-long series is important for VSU because education is the key to awareness and prevention.

"These special events bring community members together as a united front against sexual violence," McMillen said. “United we can prevent sexual violence in our homes, in our communities, and on our campus.”

This year's events are intended to educate and empower community and campus members to promote responsible sexual relationships and work toward comprehensive, coordinated interventions for social and cultural change.

SAAM 2010 events:
Tuesday and Thursday, April 6, 8, 13 & 15: R.A.D. Self Defense Classes for Women. Call the Office of Health Promotions Office at 229-245-3896 for more details.

7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, April 8-10: Vagina Monologues, Student Union Theatre. Contact the WGST at 229-249-4842 for tickets and details or go to http://www.valdosta.edu/news/releases/monologues.032510/ .

7 p.m. Thursday, April 8: Greek Step Show, P.E. Complex. Members of the Sexual Assault Awareness Committee and The Haven will hand out awareness information.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 20: SAAM DAY of Action. Informational Booths, Student Union, Sponsored by VSU Sexual Assault Awareness Committee and the Haven.

All day, Wednesday, April 21: Denim Day Project. Contact The Haven at 229-242-1544 for a t-shirt and more details.

7 p.m. Monday, April 26: Rock to Prevent RAPE concert in conjunction with Take Back the Night, theme: “Make Music not Violence;” Student Union Ballroom. Fifty Thirteen, formally known as The River and The Notion, will perform and special speakers will discuss the importance of taking a stand against sexual violence. The evening will also include a tribute to victims and survivors of sexual assault. Contact the VSU Counseling Center at 229-333-5940 for more details. (Other sponsors include VSU's Sexual Assault Awareness Committee and The Haven.)