According to Futures Without Violence, 1 in 5 college students is a victim of sexual assault. For that reason, knowledge about how to prevent and cope with instances of sexual assault is crucial for college students. Here’s a list of some online programs, centers and foundations that are useful in the fight against sexual assault.
Every Choice
Every Choice is an innovative online video program created to reduce sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking on college campuses by teaching college students how to react in violent situations. Students can receive a demo of the training program by calling Barbara Wells at 877-349- 1150 or by filling out the contact box on the homepage. For more information on programs and how to purchase online content contact Wells at Barbara.wells@studentsuccess.org, or visit http://www.every-choice.com/.
R.A.D.: Rape, Aggression, Defense
R.A.D. is a self-defense class designed for women of all ages, even those with disabilities. The course includes a lecture and discussion that will help educate women on sexual assault. The classes range from nine hours to more than 12 hours, depending on the course. For those who would like to help teach defense classes, you can get certified by taking a 30 hour course or have military and or law enforcement experience. For more information, on self-defense courses visit www.rad-systems.com/rad_basic.html.
Catharsis Productions
Catharsis Productions is an online prevention program that is designed specifically for college students and deals with the topics of hooking up, sexual assault prevention and social justice. Students and staff can seek training to help understand the scope of sexual assault so that they can handle it effectively when they face it. Some of these programs incorporate how to handle being a victim and how to help others. For more information, visit http://www.catharsisproductions.com/.
Spread awareness of nearby help centers
If you or anybody you know has been a victim of sexual assault, do not feel afraid or embarrassed to speak up. Looking for support is a good way to cope with a traumatic event, and seeking professional help is a good way to do so. Here are some local centers that provide the help you need.
Nancy J. Cotterman Center
Address: 400 NE Fourth Street, Fort Lauderdale
Phone: 954-357-5775
Website: www.broward.org/HumanServices/CommunityPartnerships/NancyJCottermanCenter/Pages/Default.aspx
The Nancy J. Cotterman Center is dedicated to treating victims of sexual abuse and child abuse. The center can help teens, adults, the elderly, children, family members of victims, LGBT people, and people with disabilities, and services include individual and group counseling, support groups, legal and criminal justice assistance, criminal advocacy, casework, hospital assistance, and community education about sexual assault. The center can assist visitors who speak English, Spanish and Creole.
Roxcy Bolton Rape Treatment Center
Address: 1611 NW 12 Ave., Miami
Phone: 305-585-5185
Website: jacksonhealth.org/
The Roxcy Rolton Rape Treatment Center is a sexual assault refuge center located in the Jackson Health Medical Center. The center provides services for children, women, men, teens, LGBT people, people with disabilities, and elderly adults. Their services include a safe hotline, emergency shelter individual and group counseling, support groups, crime victim assistance and advocacy, community and professional education of sexual assault, and hospital accompaniment. The center can also assist visitors who speak Spanish.
Donate for the cause
Helping a cause does not always have to be done in person; a donation to an accredited organization will also do the trick. Here are some common foundations that host safe havens and collect funding for victims of sexual abuse. For more information about how to donate, visit the sites below.
Women’s Freedom Center
womensfreedomcenter.net/get-help/sexual-assault/
RAINN: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network
donate.rainn.org/
NSVRC: National Sexual Violence Resource Center
www.nsvrc.org/relief-fund
NO MORE
nomore.org/donations/
Pandora’s Project
www.pandys.org/donate.html
