Educational stations and sobering statistics filled the Student Union lobby Thursday as the Anti-Rape Task Force kicked off its Violence Against Women Awareness Week.
"A lot of people don't know the truth about violence against women in different countries, in the United States, and even on our own campus," said Erica Beggs, the program coordinator for the Anti-Rape Task Force. "The goal for the Violence Against Women Awareness Week is to provide education to students about the violence, rape, and sexual assault towards women and the differences in each country."
With music playing in the background, different tables designed help educate people about violence toward woman lined the Student Union lobby.
Several of SA's International Clubs participated by displaying violence against women statistics from their respective countries - such as a statistic that read that in South Africa, a woman is raped every 38 seconds.
Also at the event were several community groups that offered their services in preventing sexual violence.
Meg Stack, a therapist from the Erie County Crisis Services, spoke about the value of their service to the women of Erie County.
"We offer a suicide hotline and an advocate program," said Stack. "Our advocate program involves volunteers who help rape victims at local hospitals, police stations and in court. Our free service is a designated rape crisis center in Erie County."
"Our case managers and therapists help women process through the trauma, and teach them how to go on with their lives," she added.
The focal point of the education the event offered was in the form of some harrowing statistics, like the fact that every 21 hours, a woman is raped on a college campus in the United States.
While much of the event aimed at educating women about sexual violence, the Anti-Rape Task Force also offered advice on the issue to men. Recommendations for men involved "supporting local women's programs, learning about women's problems, and learning why men are violent."
Mateo Prendergast, a spokesman for the Combined Martial Arts Club, was at the kickoff to represent his club, which offers free self-defense classes.
"These classes will be held every Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Richmond Aerobics room," said Prendergast. "Everyone is welcome, even beginners."
The Anti-Rape Task Force, which will be running events throughout the week, has been providing its services and education for UB students since 1975.
"Our goals are to provide safety to students," said Beggs. "We provide services so no one has to walk alone, and we provide education to our students and to the community about violence against women."
The Task Force's Awareness Week continues through April 8.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
