The Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center concluded Rape Awareness Month on Thursday with its annual Rock Against Rape event in The Shack.
The night featured musical performances and poetry readings as well as speeches from representatives regarding various on-campus and community organizations.
The event, hosted by LGBTQ Resource Center coordinator Struby Struble and RSVP peer educator Hannah Holden, began with an overview of the importance of student involvement in the fight against rape and sexual assault.
Speakers encouraged Rock Against Rape attendees to volunteer for organizations such as RSVP, Greek Advocates and Stronger Together Against Relationship and Sexual Violence.
“It’s a positive way to bring people together and just be a voice for survivors and victims of violence,” Holden said. “There’s always a really positive reaction from students.”
Holden said her experiences inspired her to get involved in RSVP.
“I am a survivor of sexual violence,” she said. “I got involved in RSVP as an outlet. It’s been awesome to see my own transformation and to be around others and see their transformations as well. It’s been a really positive experience for me. And seeing a support system on campus and in the community can help survivors see they have a place to go.”
Performer John Mitchell said it is important for issues regarding rape and sexual violence to be acknowledged by students.
“I’ve had some friends that have gone through horrific things such as this,” he said. “I feel like it’s important because people don’t talk about it that much.”
Because of this sensitive content, representatives from the counseling center sat at the entrances of The Shack for the duration of the event for any audience members who may have been triggered by the issues discussed during the evening.
“It’s something a lot of people aren’t used to talking about or hearing about,” Holden said. “It can be an intense topic. But it’s important we don’t silence this.”
Mitchell performed a song that told the story of an abusive relationship. He said he hoped the piece would shed light on the horrors of sexual assault.
“Music, in general, paints a picture of what’s going on,” Mitchell said. “I know it’s cliché, but music is universal, and everyone can empathize with the power of music. It’s all about using your voice. If I’ve done my job, I’ve made someone to listen to what I have to say. I’m not afraid to stand up for what I believe in.”
MU student Brenna Fletcher attended the event for the live music and to show her support for action against rape.
“It’s a fun event,” she said. “It’s not so in-your-face or aggressive. It’s a way to have fun but also talk about important issues.”
Though performances during the evening ranged from poetry to rap to acoustic music, all artists stressed the importance of community action and involvement in ending incidents of sexual violence.
“It’s wonderful to see folks of all different demographics come together for this event,” Mitchell said. “I hope that these types of art and performances encourage people to sign up and help. I hope it energizes them to become active in stopping sexual assault.”
