By Emily Masseth
Prevention, awareness, and music are the elements that make up CWU’s annual groundbreaking event, Rock Against Rape. It has become a Central signature event in the CWU Wellness Center’s effort to spread awareness about sexual assault, prevention methods, and consent. Now in its 11th year, Rock Against Rape encourages attendees to have an open dialogue about the stigma surrounding sexual assault.
“Nearly two thirds of college students experience sexual harassment.”
-National Sexual Violence Resource Center
Rock Against Rape offers a safe and inclusive environment to show survivors of sexual assault they are not alone and we have a caring community to help them. Those who are not survivors, can take responsibility as part of the solution in preventing sexual violence.
“20%-25% of college women and 15% of college men are victims of forced sex during their time in college.”
-National Sexual Violence Resource Center
There will be a variety of clubs, organizations, and outside sources offering non-traditional awareness activities at this event. Some of those involved this year are Black Student Union (BSU), Her Campus, the Diversity and Equity Center (DEC), Public Health Club, 88.1 The ‘Burg, CWU Athletics, Kittitas Valley Hospital (KVH), and many more.
Each booth will be about a different topic surrounding sexual violence. Some of these topics may include reporting sexual harassment in the workplace, how sexual violence is viewed in the media, and festival safety.
“One in five women and one in 71 men will be raped at some point of their lives.”
-National Sexual Violence Resource Center
Rock Against Rape will also feature a performance from Zhanea June and Mach X. Zhanea June is an artist based in the Seattle area, who sings all types of music with a positive message. She recently released two new singles and signed with the One FAMM Music Group/Sony Music, which allowed her to continue making her mark in the music industry. Zhanea June will not only perform, but offer insight about her identity as an artist and the diversity behind her art.
Wildcats will also have a chance to speak up about sexual violence and prevention through their music. Enjoy student performances by Mikey O’Malley and Alison Banchero.
“More than 90% of sexual assault victims on college campuses do not report the assault.”
-National Sexual Violence Resource Center
Come ‘Rock Against Rape’ on April 23 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the SURC Ballroom. This is a free event and open to the public. For more information about the other Sexual Assault Activism Month events, visit the CWU Wellness Center’s Facebook page or contact Kristen Perry at kristen.perry@cwu.edu. To find more information about sexual violence, visit cwu.edu/wecare or nsvrc.org.
Emily Masseth is a Student Writer at the CWU Publicity Center. She will be graduating June 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations.
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