Bringing awareness: Augusta University recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month on campus
Event attendees wrote positive messages on t-shirts to encourage domestic violence victims. (photo by CM Wahl)
By CM Wahl | Features editor
The Alpha Chi Omega Sorority hosted a one-mile walk/run fundraiser, “Run a Mile in Her Shoes,” on Augusta University’s Summerville campus on April 15. The event’s goal is to stop sexual assault and gender violence, while also supporting Safe Homes Domestic Violence Shelter.
Alpha Chi Omega member Cynthia Rosas described the race as a yearly philanthropy event the organization hosts every Spring where they map out a course on campus so participants can run for a good cause.
“To me, it is important just because I know the money and awareness that we raise for Safe Homes has a direct impact on our local community,” said Rosas.
She said the “empowering and uplifting statements” on the t-shirts her sorority helps hang for the event reminds them that their efforts help victims leave the shelter with “a new version of themselves.”
The annual event features tables hosted by groups and organizations that provide additional resources. One such table featured information on the Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services (RCSAS) offered at Piedmont Augusta, supporting victims and their families with the help of volunteers.
Carla Hamann of RCSAS stated that all crisis specialists go through a mandatory state-wide training where those interested in responding to victims can learn about the legal and emotional aspects of this crime. The hotline for Rape Crisis is 800-656-HOPE.
Captain Sam Sherrill of the University Police explained at his table that the school offers many safety resources, including the Rave Guardian app, which is free for anyone who logs in with an augusta.edu email address. There are also emergency phones around both campuses that dispatch officers at the press of a button, and a Rape Aggression Defense course offered for either college credit or as a 12-hour class where instructors act as “aggressors” in real-life scenarios with participants in a controlled environment.
Julie Kneuker, Title IX Coordinator, stated at her table that their office handles domestic and dating violence and sexual assault, harassment and discrimination. Students can call 706-721-5144 for more information. “It’s on us to promote and strengthen awareness and get student organizations like this one involved in the movement,” said Kneuker.
The highlight of Alpha Chi Omega’s philanthropic event was guest speaker Dee Griffin, news anchor and reporter for WJBF News Channel 6. Griffin shared how she became a victim of domestic abuse shortly after getting married.
Local news anchor and domestic violence awareness advocate Dee Griffin speaks at event. (photo by CM Wahl)
“Someone you know either has or will be a victim of domestic violence,” she said. “It’s just part of life. And it’s sadly a part of many lives.”
When Griffin let her family know that she’d compiled a list of her personal information and saved up money for them to transport her body back home, they were horrified. “I was resolved to die,” she said.
Weeks after giving birth to her first child, Griffin and her husband got into another argument that became physical. Luckily, the neighbor overheard their fight and called the police.
Griffin recalled, “I knew I had to get myself and my baby out of there, but the sergeant told me, he said, ‘It’s up to you to make the decision if you are going to continue like this. You have a choice.’”
When Griffin told her father, a retired Sergeant Major in the Army, what happened, he was distraught and ended up passing away after a massive stroke. The traumatic event showed her domestic violence not only impacts the victims, but also the family.
“If you’re a domestic violence victim,” said Griffin, “we need you to step out and speak up against it.”
Griffin also encouraged men who recognize an abusive friend to say or do something to stop it. She explained that violent behavior is often learned and often ends tragically.
“Never be ashamed to stop someone,” advised Griffin. “Never say it’s none of my business. It is your business. Because it’s going to be your business when you have to go to the funeral.
Contact CM Wahl at cwahl@augusta.edu.
This story is published in the Monday, April 24, 2023 print edition of The Bell Ringer on the front page.
