Week’s activities at UM to focus on rape

ORONO — The University of Maine will hold its annual Rape and Sexual Assault Awareness Week, Monday through Friday, Sept. 13-17. Activities will include films, panel discussions, safety training and the traditional march and vigil.

Rape and sexual assault are not unique to the college community, but college-age students are in the high-risk age group for sexual assault, according to Sheri Cousins, program coordinator for Campus Living and Student Health Services.

“The second most-likely time in life for a woman to be raped is during her first semester at college. The most likely time is the summer before college. Rape is a real issue on this campus as it is on every campus,” Cousins said.

“UMaine has to address the issue of rape from all perspectives so that everyone can get the message. It’s amazing the different ideas some people have about rape. Rape is a personal experience that changes one’s life. A person who has been raped is never going to be quite the same again,” Cousins explained.

Although Rape Awareness Week tends to focus on the 95 percent of rapes that involve women, Cousins says that UMaine’s services are available to all victims of sexual assault. Rape is a crime of violence, power and control, not sex, which occurs regardless of gender, age or sexual orientation.

The following schedule of events has been announced. For information, contact Sheri Cousins at 581-4032:

Monday, Sept. 13: “Break the Silence…No More Violence”:

Noon, “Opening of Rape and Sexual Assault Awareness Week,” the dedication of the United Against Rape and Sexual Assault Memorial on the mall in front of Fogler Library. People may show support by tying a red ribbon on the memorial. Ribbons will be available at the information table in the Memorial Union and at tables on the Mall.

12:30 p.m. — “UMaine Responding to Rape,” a panel of experts discuss legal, counseling, medical and university responses to rape and sexual assault. Bangor Lounges, Memorial Union.

7 p.m. — “Not a Love Story: A Film About Pornography,” a response panel will react to the film and discuss issues of free speech, censorship and violence. Bangor Lounges, Memorial Union.

Tuesday, Sept. 14: “Friends Don’t Force Friends”:

12:15 p.m. — “When the Rapist Is Someone You Know,” a talk by Marty Mclntyre, executive director of the Lewiston-Auburn Sexual Assault Crisis Center. Bangor Lounges, Memorial Union.

3 p.m. — “Someone You Know,” film and discussion led by Jennifer Burkhart, executive director of Rape Response Services, Bangor. Bangor Lounges, Memorial Union.

Wednesday, Sept. 15: “What Part of `No’ Don’t You Understand?”:

11 a.m. — “Campus Rape,” a film featuring Susan Dey and Corbin Bernsen of L.A. Law; Group discussion facilitated by Sandy Sarro, UMaine Counseling Center, and Renea Galen, advocate, Rape Response Services. Bangor Lounges, Memorial Union.

Noon — “Men’s Pledge of Alliance,” on the mall in front of Fogler Library, sponsored by Men Against Rape. Men may show their support for stopping rape by signing a Pledge of Alliance card and tying a blue ribbon on the United Against Rape and Sexual Assault Memorial. Alliance cards and ribbons available at the information tables in the Union and on the mall.

2 p.m. — “Sex Gone Wrong: A Program for Men Only,” presented by Men Against Rape. Bangor Lounges, Memorial Union.

3 p.m. — “Learning to Live with Conflict,” a presentation about conflict resolution and mediation by Bob Hall, president of Learning to Live with Conflict Inc., established in 1987 to provide education and training in the analysis and resolution of conflict. Hall is known nationally on college campuses for his educational presentations designed to promote communication among men and women about sexuality, dating and violence. Bangor Lounges, Memorial Union.

7 p.m. — “Hands Off! Let’s Talk,” also presented by Hall. Sex in dating relationships is one of the most common sources of conflict; it’s also one of the least talked about. This presentation explains why it doesn’t have to be that way. 101 Neville Hall.

Thursday, Sept. 16: “United Aqainst Rape and Sexual Assault”:

12:15 p.m. — “Athletes for Sexual Responsibility: Date Rape,” student athletes will show their film and facilitate a discussion about rape and sexual assault. Bangor Lounges, Memorial Union.

6 p.m. — “United Against Rape and Sexual Assault March,” meet on the steps of Fogler Library. “Candlelight Vigil Supporting Survivors of Rape and Sexual Assault,” immediately following the march.

7:15 p.m. — “Reception for the United Against Rape and Sexual Assault March and Vigil Participants,” hosted by Rape Response Services, Bangor. Winners of the banner contest will be announced. Bangor Lounges, Memorial Union.

Friday, Sept. 17: “Every 45 Seconds”:

Noon — “The `Maine’ Opinion,” community members react to the opinion panels on rape and sexual assault. Bangor Lounges, Memorial Union.

3 p.m. — “Personal Safety for UMaine Students,” Deb Mitchell, UMaine crime prevention officer, will discuss practical skills for personal safety. Bangor Lounges, Memorlal Union.

7-10 p.m. — “An Evening of Balkan Music and International Folk Dancing,” featuring the Huddled Masses Orchestra, Liberty Balalaika Ensemble, Sviata Duma and the Bar Harbor Folk Orchestra. Free admission for the evening, donations will be accepted to benefit Rape Crisis Services in the former Yugoslavia established by the International Rescue Committee and Rape Response Services, Bangor. Wells Commons Lounge and lobby.