April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, an issue that is rampant on college campuses across the nation. This major public health issue affects people of all ages, genders and nationalities, and violates one’s basic human rights.

Despite being an accredited institution, SMU, as well as every other college campus in the United States, have issues with sexual assault and sexual violence on campus. To spread awareness about this issue, SMU is holding numerous events during April to educate students and faculty.

Not On My Campus, the sexual assault prevention group on campus, will host Penny Wars at the flagpole between April 13 and April 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds will be donated to the SMU Student Emergency fund, which responds to sexual assault accusations on campus.

Not On My Campus will also host “Drunk In Love”, a consent activity at Peruna Palooza April 15. Participants of this event can wear drunk goggles and complete an obstacle course to demonstrate how difficult it is to make decisions and give consent while intoxicated.

Other events include “The Mask You Live In” April 21 in the MoMac and Boaz quad at 8:30 p.m., as well as “Coffee and Conversation: Survivors Speak Out,” April 20 at the Hughes-Triggs Atrium from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“Sexual Assault Awareness Month has motivated students across the country to put on programs and speakers at their universities,” said Jamie Hinz, communications director of the SMU sexual assault prevention group Not On My Campus. “Student organizations are using this month to take a stand against sexual assault.”

According to statistics, one in four women and one in 10 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Sexual assault is defined as any kind of unwanted physical contact, while sexual misconduct includes any and all forms of sexual harassment, including sexual violent and sexual assault. These include all unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. https://smudailycampus.com/news/not-on-my-campus-sets-up-display-one-cup-is-too-many-highlights-sexual-assault-on-campus

The punishments if charged with sexual assault include imprisonment from two to 20 years and a fine up to $10,000. A person convicted of sexual assault must also register as a sex offender, which will remain on his or her record or the rest of his or her life.

If a student wishes to file a complaint through SMU, he or she can pursue a SMU grievance process and file a complaint under the University’s Title IX policy, which will involve investigation of allegations. During the investigation the university can impose temporary punishments of the accused. These include: no contact orders, campus restrictions, and temporary suspensions. For more information on SMU’s statements on sexual assault, visit this page.

Numerous student organizations and other resources can be accessed throughout the year to combat sexual assault. The student organization “Not On My Campus” works yearly to spread sexual assault awareness, along with the program “It’s On Us.” SMU has counselors on staff to respond to the emotional trauma resulting from sexual assault. In case of an emergency always contact campus security or the Dallas Police Department.

For more information on SMU’s events regarding Sexual Assault Awareness Month, visit this page.