Communication Studies senior capstone group hosted a fair to raise awareness about sexual violence on Nov. 19 in the Quad.

“We hosted this event outside and removed it from being held inside a room because we didn’t want people to feel stuck or like this is something we are afraid to talk about,” Clay Hobbs (senior, Communication Studies) said.

“So we brought it out to the Quad so everyone can really be informed of what’s going on and what we want to accomplish.”

The event informed the campus community on how to prevent sexual violence and what students can do to receive help from a number of different outlets.

According to stopsexualviolence.edu, sexual violence is defined as, “physical, sexual acts perpetrated against a person’s will or when a person is incapable of consent.”

About 75 percent of all college sexual assaults occur when alcohol is involved.

“Our capstone project was created to help inform the public about sexual violence, provide resource information and support campaigns on campus,” Hobbs said.

“The Title IX and Stop The Abuse campaigns are revamped and they are going to be campaigns that are here to help put an end to sexual violence.”

A table held at the event was the Haven Women’s Center of Stanislaus (HWC), which is a center for women and children in the Stanislaus area who have experienced acts of sexual violence against them.

The University Police Department (UPD) was present to speak about the shuttle implemented on campus that works to safely escort students.

UPD also promoted self-defense classes for women held every month and had a sign up sheet available to see how many men would like to have these same classes made available for them.

Attendees were advised that if something does not feel right, trust your instincts, remain in control of yourself when alcohol is involved by knowing your limits and remain aware of everything within your surroundings.

For more information from the Sexual Violence Awareness Fair or information about the other sexual violence prevention campaigns on and off campus visit:

www.csustan.edu/titleix

www.csustan.edu/stopabuse or www.notalone.gov.

Photo courtesy of Clay Hobbs.