STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month nationwide and on the campuses of the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point.
University leaders, students, and even Mayor Mike Wiza took part in a ceremony renaming a portion of 4th Avenue as Teal Street near the campus on Monday. “[Teal] is the color for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it’s a reminder to everyone that it’s such an important topic,” said Troy Seppelt, dean of students and assistant vice chancellor for Student Affairs for the University.
In addition to a ceremony renaming a part of 4th Avenue, a survivors clothing display titled “What Were You Wearing” will be on display the week of April 15th-17th. Informational tables will also be set up in the Dreyfus University Center every Tuesday in April to offer resources about the issue to students as well.
Seppelt says his office reported over 60 incidents of sexual assault on campus involving students, and in each case, the victim who came forward was given resources and support every step of the way.
“When they report it, we are committed to that person, getting them the resources that they need to be successful and hopefully heal after such a traumatic event,” said Seppelt. In most casts that includes some form of counseling to students no matter which campus they are enrolled at. UWSP has also developed relationships with sexual assault victims advocacy programs in Marshfield, Wausau, and Stevens Point as well to further offer support.
The month isn’t just for college students or those connected with the campus, Seppelt says he’d like everyone to help those who have come forward as victims in any way that they can.
“It is a community issue, yes we manage it on our three campuses, but it is larger than that,” Seppelt says that can be anything from listening and being supportive to those who are brave enough to tell their stories, to helping someone get out of an abusive situation by connecting them with resources.
