2011 Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness Month

List of events for the month is listed below.

In honor of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the University of Alaska Anchorage is hosting programs throughout the month of April aimed at furthering the end of violence against women and men in Alaska. This is a month for educators, advocates, survivors, victim service providers, law enforcement and administrators to join together in raising public awareness and be agents of social change to end domestic and sexual violence against women, men and children.

Domestic violence and sexual assault are epidemics that negatively affect communities across the country regardless of age, race or socio-economic background. One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. According to the UAA Justice Center, about 85 percent of victimizations by intimate partners are against women, with 2 percent between same-sex partners and 15 percent against men, with 10 percent between same sex partners. In Alaska, there were over 6,000 reported cases of domestic violence and 524 forcible rapes reported in 2005, the latter of which representing almost 13 percent of all violent crimes. In fact, almost 75 percent of Alaskans have experienced or know someone who has experienced domestic violence or sexual assault (as reported by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence).

Domestic violence and sexual assault have a destructive impact at all levels of society, either directly or indirectly. In an effort to increase visibility of these significant community health issues, UAA will be offering a variety of programs this April, including entertainment events, visual displays, workshops, presentations, candlelight vigils and marches. UAA is working in conjunction with AWAIC and STAR to support events on campus, as well as provide transportation to awareness events the City of Anchorage is promoting.

A comprehensive list of these events can be found on the UAA Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault calendars posted around the main campus and in Residence Life. View the poster here.

For more information, please contact Alcohol, Drug and Wellness Educator Lexi Prunella at anafp@uaa.alaska.edu or Student Success Counselor Anna Hinman at anah1@uaa.alaska.edu. Both Lexi and Anna may also be reached through the Dean of Students Office at (907) 786-1214.

STAR Sexual Assault Prevention roundtable discussion
Wednesday, April 6, Noon
Student Union, Lyla Richards Conference Room
Join STAR (Standing Together Against Rape) for a noon roundtable discussion about how participants can recognize sexual assault, healthy and unhealthy relationships and bystander intervention strategies.

Film screening of 'The Fighter'
Wednesday, April 6, 5 p.m.
Student Union, The Den
Come join us in leading up to the real live "Irish Micky" and Dicky's appearance at UAA with a pre-screening of the movie.

STAR "Walk-A-Mile In Her Shoes" March
Friday, April 8, 11 a.m.
Rasmuson Hall
This is a men's awareness march. Men are invited to wear high heels and walk to increase awareness and educate others on issues of sexual violence.

Cancelled: R.A.D. Training with University Police Department
Four sessions: April 12, 13, 19, 20, 7-10 p.m.
Campus Location (TBA)
The Rape Aggression Defense Basic Personal Defense System is a national program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques taught for women only. Class fee is $35.00 and class size is limited. Register at http://uaonline.alaska.edu/. For more information, please call (907) 786-1214 or (907) 786-1120.

Book signing, 'What's Left of Us'
Wednesday, April 13, 11 a.m.
UAA Campus Bookstore
Richie Ferrall, author and filmmaker, will share excerpts from his memoir "What's Left of Us." His deeply moving memoir will take you on a journey through family violence, drug use, survival and also of redemption. Books will be available for sale through the UAA Campus Bookstore.

'The Fighter' comes to UAA: 'Irish' Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund
Wednesday, April 13, 7:30 p.m.
Wendy Williamson Auditorium
Meet the real life brothers "Irish" Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund behind the Oscar-nominated film, "The Fighter." Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund will present three different viewpoints on the real story behind the film and the perils of the real life hardships and adversities one may encounter.

AWAIC domestic violence prevention presentation with U.S. Attorney Karen Loeffler
Tuesday, April 19, 3 p.m.
Student Union, Lyla Richards Conference Room
The Abused Women's Aid in Crisis will facilitate a workshop providing evidence-based prevention strategies that work toward breaking the cycle of violence. The presentation will highlight various issues of domestic violence, including intimate partner violence, roommate violence and bystander intervention options. Opening remarks wil be made by Alaska U.S. Attorney Karen Loeffler.

'Telling Amy's Story' film viewing and discussion
Wednesday, April 20, 2 p.m.
Student Union, South Cafeteria
This documentary will serve as our catalyst for beginning a public discussion about domestic violence. By raising awareness and talking about how our community can help victims and hold abusers accountable, we can take positive steps toward prevention. Refreshments will be served.

STAR Take Back the Night (off-campus)
Thursday, April 21
March starts at 5:30 p.m.
Survivor Speak-out at 6 p.m.
Live Band at 8 p.m.
Join us for a Speak-out, march, and survivor's celebration to support survivors and raise awareness for sexual violence, sponsored by STAR. UAA will provide free transportation for students who wish to attend. Vans will meet at the Gorsuch Commons (3700 Sharon Gagnon Lane).

National Wear Denim Day
Wednesday, April 27, All Day
Gorsuch Commons and UAA Campus Bookstore
We will meet at the two locations at 4:45 p.m. Wear your jeans as a visible sign of protest against the myths that surround sexual assault. On this day we'll unite against the sexual assault of girls, women, boys and men, stand in support of survivors and break the silence to end sexual violence. For more information, you can call one of the following:

• AWAIC (Abused Women's Aid in Crisis) (907) 272-0100
• STAR (Standing Together Against Rape) (907) 276-7273
• University Police Department (UPD) (907) 786-1120
  
• National Domestic Violence Hotline 1 (800) 799-SAFE (7233), 1 (800) 787-3224 (TTY)