The University of Iowa Rape Victim Advocacy Program celebrates 35 years of service this year with several events to honor victims and survivors of sexual assault. Alondra Canizal, prevention education coordinator for the Rape Victim Advocacy Program, talks about the program:
How widespread is the problem of sexual assault?
Sexual assault is a problem that is an issue in every community. National statistics show that one in four women and one in six men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. It's a pretty alarming statistic.
Nationally and locally, how many women and men are affected by sexual assault?
Those are the numbers nationally. Locally, we have statistics and we gather them through our 24-hour rape crisis line—319-335-6000. Locally speaking, in Fiscal Year 2007, we had 284 rapes reported to our crisis line and 750 crisis calls. The 750 include calls related to past rapes, attempted rapes, child sexual abuse, domestic and dating violence, sexual harassment, and stalking. But the 284 number reflects just the number of rapes reported to our crisis line in FY 07.
When an assault occurs, what is the most important message you can tell a person?
They're not alone. They're definitely not alone in getting through this. It's a very difficult thing to deal with. A lot of changes go on in your life, but you're definitely not alone in dealing with them. We're here to answer any questions and there are support networks that you can rely on. You're definitely not alone in dealing with the problem. Keep in mind, our 24-hour rape crisis line—there are a lot of resources available to victims and support members for that victim.
Tell us about sponsoring the event "Silent Witness."
The "Silent Witness" event—this is the second year we're holding it. It will be outside the Pentacrest on the Clinton Street-side in Iowa City. It is an opportunity for community members to say, first of all, that we attest to the fact that sexual assault occurs in our community, and secondly, to show support for victims and survivors of sexual assault. It's a way for people to stand in solidarity and have a visual impact. A way to say, "OK, this isn't something we support in our community and to say we're here for the survivors who have gone through this event."
What other events are going on across the campus this month to promote awareness of sexual assaults?
The "Clothesline Project" is a display of T-shirts made by survivors of sexual violence. The shirts will be displayed on the Pentacrest lawn Wednesday, April 23, from 10 am. to 3 p.m. People can look at the T-shirts, read about the experiences that people have gone through, and, if you're a survivor, contribute to the display.
The "Cup of Prevention," will be held in Johnson, Iowa, Cedar, and Washington counties. A cup will be placed in coffee shops throughout the area. People can go to these coffee shops and pick up information on sexual assault, as well as risk reduction tips, and a safety whistle.
Is there a charge to participate in any of these events?
No, all of our services are free of charge.
If someone wanted to learn more about any of the activities you mention, where should they start?
Our Web site www.rvap.org is a great resource.
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