Jessica Yorama
Daily Egyptian
Although Women's Safety Month is not until April, the Women's Safety program at SIUC wants students to know that services are available to students all year round.
Starting at the beginning of the semester, members of the Women's Safety committee will begin to inform the student population by visiting the dorms. Here, they will enlighten new students on such areas as rape drugs, sexual assault and the counseling services available on campus.
Campus counseling, according to Group Outreach Coordinator Jane Maxwell, is confidential and provided by non-judgmental individuals who specialize in helping women.
The counseling services exist to aid students in dealing with trauma, but according to Jane Maxwell, the counseling is not limited to the extreme cases people tend to think about.
"We deal with people who are victims of sexual assault," Maxwell said. "But we also help freshmen who are adjusting to college, relationship and self-esteem counseling."
Although Women's Services attempts to educate throughout the semester, its biggest efforts take place October during Women's Safety Week.
During the week of October 14, women have the opportunity to participate in the "Make a Mask, Make a Statement." In this event, survivors of sexual assault will be able to make a plaster mask as a means of emotional release. These masks, accompanied by a brief narrative, will be displayed on campus. Makers of the mask are given the option of remaining anonymous.
Another event that will take place during this week is the "Take Back the Night March." The march will take place on October 19. At this time, students as well as members of the community will march for victims of sexual assault in hopes that the streets will one day be safe for women.
The march is not lsault or women, and according to Maxwell, neither are the Women's Safety programs.
"We're open to men and are one of the few programs not restricted to students," Maxwell said. "We want to project an image that shows we are welcome to everyone."
While Women's Services provides a good deal of the safety programs, they are not the only outlet for women looking to feel safe at SIUC.
In addition to self-defense programs available through SIUC Police, there is also transportation through Women's Night Safety
Transit for those not comfortable walking around campus at night.
The transit provides transportation for women going to and from campus and encourages women to attend night events they might not attend otherwise.
For those who choose to walk at night, Women's Services provides safety whistles and maps of the "Brightway," or safe paths on campus.
Maxwell believes information such as this, as well as the other services available to women are essential because, "Education is the best prevention."
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
