UTSA hosts sexual violence awareness day

By Jessica Muniz
Staff Clinician and Sexual Assault Program Advocate, UTSA Counseling Services

(Sept. 26, 2007)--The UTSA Women's Resource Center and C.U.R.E. (Campus United for Respect and Education) will sponsor RAINN Day Sept. 27 as part of a national college campus observance to raise awareness of sexual violence issues.

RAINN (Rape, Assault and Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-violence organization that works to increase awareness through education on issues concerning sexual assault and rape. The organization hosts a national phone hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline.

Women's Resource Center (WRC) staff members and UTSA resident assistants decorated umbrellas to hang on campus Sept. 27 with the 800 number and RAINN Web site URL as a reminder to students that sexual violence can happen to anyone. At the 1604 Campus, WRC staff members and resident assistants will hand out information cards and information on where to go for help.

Sexual assault is a problem that affects people regardless of age, race or gender. In fact, every 2.5 minutes someone in America is sexually assaulted; college-age people are four times more likely to be the victim of sexual assault than any other age group.

Call (210) 458-4140, to volunteer at the Women's Resource Center (ask for Jessica Muniz) or C.U.R.E. (ask for Melissa Hernandez).

For more information on sexual violence issues or assistance, visit UTSA Counseling Services in Recreation and Wellness Center Room 1.812, 1604 Campus, or call (210) 458-4140. At the Downtown Campus, visit Counseling Services in Buena Vista Street Building Room 1.308 or call (210) 458-2930.