As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Week at St. Joseph’s College, students from SJC Long Island and SJC Brooklyn were invited to participate in Tuesday’s virtual event, “Staying Safe: Enough is Enough.”
During the presentation, students learned how to define and help prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and cyber stalking.
“When we start to believe survivors and we tell them that we believe them, that’s how we change this culture that we have,” said Jenna Stimmel, a prevention educator for the Crime Victims Center (CVC) who led the event.
Stimmel discussed statistics, rape culture in the United States and how it needs to change, consent, bystander intervention techniques, and signs of an unhealthy relationship. She also shared on- and off-campus resources, as well as information about the Student Bill of Rights.
“We have to change the question from, ‘What was the victim doing, wearing or saying when the rape occurred?’ to ‘What made the perpetrator think that this was acceptable?'” said Stimmel, who explained that more often than not, the perpetrator is someone that the victim knows.
“When consent is missing, that’s when you have sexual violence,”he added.
Help Spread Awareness
Sign up for these upcoming virtual events by clicking their titles below.
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 12:30 p.m.: An Unheard Voice
Guest speaker Elaine Pasqua will share her experience and perspective as a sexual assault survivor. The interactive program focuses on violence prevention, bystander intervention and healthy communication. Students will also develop an understanding of the emotional effects of sexual assault and gain critical skills in providing support and allyship.
*This event is required for FYE students and strongly recommended for transfer students.
Thursday, Oct. 1, 12:30 p.m.: Integration Circle
Led by a Crime Victims Center (CVC) therapist, this event is open to any student looking for a safe space to process any and all reactions to the College’s Domestic Violence Awareness Week events. Students can also call CVC’s confidential 24-hour hotline at (631)332-9234.
