Becky Tieder (left) shows fellow speaker Kelly Addington (right) the reaction of her friend when she told him she was sexually assaulted. Tieder and Addington spoke about sexual assault during the “Let’s Talk About It” presentation last night in McFarlin Auditorium. (John Schreiber)

First-year students filled the majority of seats in McFarlin Auditorium last night for “Let’s Talk About It,” a program that focuses on bringing the issue of sexual assault to the forefront of students’ minds. Kelly Addington and Becca Tieder spoke to the students, about the high frequency of sexual assaults on university campuses as well as across the entire nation.

Instead of standing on stage and strictly lecturing, the women spoke to the audience as if it were a private conversation between the speakers and the individual student.

“We are here tonight to break down barriers and stretch our comfort zones,” said Addington, a victim of an on-campus sexual assault. She shared the story of her assault incident, which led to a pregnancy, citing Tieder as they key to coping with the effects. The women regard having close relationships with friends a vital aspect of handling the unexpected.

“Our friendship is the most important part of what we do,” said Tieder, urging students to be open with one another and to have someone to talk to in time of need.

However, the focus of the presentation was not directed solely toward the females in the audience. Addington and Tieder reminded students that men can and have been sexually assaulted on university campuses, and that it’s up to everyone to take a stand.

“Men are just as an important part of the solution,” said Tieder. “This is something that can happen to any of us.”

Addington’s first-hand experience left her with the desire to get out and publicly share her story with people who may not be familiar with the importance of preventing sexual assault. She and Tieder believe that providing an understanding of sexual assault to students is crucial in making a difference.

“You have to accept the things you cannot change and use them in your life to do things differently,” said Tieder. “By being here tonight you’re already a part of the solution.”

Aside from the information provided by Addington’s personal account, the women wanted students to know exactly where to turn on our own campus for help.

“You have amazing resources here on campus. Utilize them,” said Addington, naming both the Health and Women’s Centers as places to visit for information regarding sexual assault. SMU’s counseling psychologist Cathey Soutter spoke briefly, identifying herself as the first person to go to after being sexually assaulted.

Addington and Tieder have been talking to the public and providing both their story and important information concerning sexual assault for about five years. Over this time, the women have adapted their endeavors as a true delegation complete with its own mission statement: Life is best when lived without fear, but with awareness. To learn more visit uniteforchange.com.