How our students show they CARE: Campus Assault ResponsE

Who knew how much JMU students really CARE about each other? CARE is JMU’s organization for students against sexual assault and intimate partner violence. Caitlin Wood is the new president of the group. I actually got a chance to meet her, but my interview was with Kathleen Heckert who is a member of the presentations committee.

The group is student run and works to support and educate other students in matters of sexual assault and intimate partner violence. Kathleen informed me that 1 in 3 JMU students are victims of attempted rape or sexual assault differing from the national statistic of 1 in 4. This group provides support. Twenty four hours JMU students have a service to call members of this group that are trained to help victims or even help people that know victims with these issues or get victims in contact with Varner House for issues of suicide. They provide services and information on seeking therapy, reporting sexual assault, or even just a friendly voice to talk to. They are they to make sure you are safe and do whatever they can to help you. They also have information on rape kits and what they entail for anyone who is considering going to a hospital to report the violence. All calls are anonymous and anyone can call.

Kathleen is a member of the presentations committee, which specializes in educating students about what sexual assault and intimate partner violence actually is in hopes to prevent it or at least let students know they have somewhere to go. They do presentations in dorms, classrooms, fraternity’s, sororities, and they have done work with Take Back the Night, the clothesline project, and they do volunteer work. They even have an art exhibit where students can come and make their own t-shirts against sexual assault with support by other students on hand.

I could tell from talking to Kathleen that the members of this group really do CARE. If you care and want to be an activist and support your fellow students check out CARE’S website at http://info.jmu.edu/oms/orgsite.php?orgid=52. Remember you don’t have to be a member of the hotline to be a member of this group. Students only get as involved as they want.

Also remember, sexual assault and intimate partner violence is an extremely serious issue that many students experience. If you or someone you know needs help, contact CARE and leave a message. You will receive a response within 15 minutes. Don’t forget CARE is anonymous. JMU students are very privileged to have support like they do. Help is only a call away.

And for those of you interested in joining CARE meets every Tuesday night at 8:00pm in HHS.

REMEMBER CARE’S HOTLINE NUMBER IS LOCATED ON THE BACK OF YOUR JACCARD!

~Freida Frye~