A rape victim lost her case in court because a judge deemed the fact that she was wearing “skinny jeans” meant it was impossible for her assailant to force sexual intercourse.
April 24 is Denim Day, a national campaign to raise rape prevention awareness and protest misconceptions about sexual assault by wearing jeans.
Six sexual assault awareness month events on campus during the month of April, including Denim Day, were initiated by Central Oregon Community College’s American Association of University Women.
“[The case ruling] was completely not true,” Isabelle Logan AAUW club president said. “We need to talk about it and raise awareness.”
Women are often treated as the accused, according to Taran Underdal, student activities coordinator and AAUW advisor. She hopes the sexual assault awareness month events will empower students and educate them on current women’s issues.
AAUW advocates to reduce gender income gap
It will take over two decades to close the income gap between men and women. According to Underdal, the gap has only narrowed by one percent in the past 10 years.
“This is what infuriates me,” Underdal said.
At the April 17 event, “Income Inequality and the Need for Change,” Underdal encouraged students to be aware of inequalities in the workplace and learn how to advocate for equal pay.
“Women tend to be very passive about income and their worth,” Underdal said. “I don’t think we’re aware that the discrepancy is even there.”
A “Smart Start” workshop will be held at COCC in Wille Hall on April 26, giving all women the chance to discover new innovative ways to demand equal pay in the workplace, according to Underdal. The workshop includes a free lunch and pre-registration is required.
“We’ve come a long way,” Underdal said, “but we’re not all the way there.”
COCC students also plan to take back the night. At the “Take Back the Night” event on April 30, students will walk with a Campus Public Safety officer, pointing out places on campus where they feel unsafe.
“There are individuals that don’t feel safe in certain areas during certain times of day,” Underdal said. “I’ve heard women say they don’t feel comfortable taking classes at night.”
During winter term, Logan lived in Juniper hall and noticed a lot of non-functioning street lights that create dark secluded areas on campus that she will be reporting to Campus Public Safety during the event.
“Events make people feel more comfortable talking about it,” Underdal said, “and create opportunities for growth and change on our campus.”
Sexual Assault Awareness activities on campus
Start Smart Negotiation Workshop for Women
Location: Wille Hall, Campus Center, COCC Bend Campus
Date/Time:Friday, April 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lunch Provided
Start Smart is an interactive workshop designed to give college women the confidence and skills they need to earn fair compensation.
The event is open to ALL women. Pre-registration is required.
http://www.cocc.edu/Forms/Student-Services/Start-Smart-Event-Registration/
Take Back the Night
Location: Wille Hall, Campus Center, COCC Bend Campus
Date/Time: Tuesday, April 30 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Take Back the Night is an international event to promote awareness of sexual assault. Presentation about the on-campus resources available for students and public. Walk around campus with a Campus Public Safety officer at night to highlight the parts of campus participants feel unsafe. Free and open to the public.
–Anna Quesenberry
The Broadside
(contact: [email protected])
