One in every five women is sexually assaulted in college.
Due to the severity of this, Fairfield has a free, confidential program run by the Sexual Assault and Misconduct Response Team to help students.
At the latest “Take Back the Night,” a table was set up with posters and different pamphlets about the program as well as national statistics on sexual assault.
“Even if 10-15 people walk by [it still makes a difference],” said Jeanne DiMuzio, director of wellness and prevention on campus. DiMuzio explained that this program is trying to expand itself. “We are trying to get these [SMART] magnets in every room on campus,” she said.
“The really important thing is that [students] know they have a safe place to discuss their options,” said Elize Z. Harrisson, one of the counselors.
Harrisson explained that if someone is sexually assaulted the victim should immediately call campus security, which would connect the victim to a counselor, who would in turn, give the victim options and support.
Harrisson also said students should know that alcohol is accountable for rape in many cases. SMART is designed to warn students of this. DiMuzio explained that “regretted sex” is in fact rape. “Consent can not be given while drunk.”
DiMuzio is actively involved in warning students of the dangerous effects of alcohol. About once a month, she does a floor program in different dorms with students. She sets up a table and plays Beirut with them.
At the end of the night, she warns the students of all the times she could’ve drugged them. She also goes through a list of different diseases they could’ve all gotten by sharing cups.
According to DiMuzio, the main goals of the floor program are to educate students on rape, help students realize that they run a high risk for sexually transmitted diseases,and to help them realize that they are all potential victims.
SMART is planning to expand the program by getting involved with the faculty, according to DiMuzio. She wants teachers to take five minutes from a class once a semester to educate their students on the SMART program.
A Clothesline of adopted tee-shirts will be able to be signed by students on Thursday. When students sign these shirts, they identify themselves as someone who wants to engage in the prevention of sexual assault, according to DiMuzio.
In the spring, SMART will hold a Vigil of Remembrance to honor victims. A sign of attendance is a pledge to become part of the solution.
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