April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Retaking Our story: reframing the Sexual Violence Conversation

TIM MOUSSEAU

It took one letter to redefine Tim’s life. With a series of photographs, Tim faced the evidence of an experience he had no memory of – he learned he was a victim of sexual assault. Not only did he have to come to grips with this new reality, but he also had to face the ongoing nightmare of being stalked and blackmailed. After struggling in isolation and grappling with shame reinforced by others, he realized something—this was his story to tell. By telling it, he could help himself and, more importantly, help others rekindle feelings of safety.

After years of silence, Tim published his experience, and thousands read about his story as a survivor. He never imagined the responses. As Tim talked with hundreds, he realized that authentically opening up on this sensitive topic created chances to reframe how communities were having this conversation.

In this keynote, Tim leads a deep and vulnerable conversation on the delicate topic of sexual violence, drawing from his original research, personal experiences, and years of advocacy. Tim provides resources to communities that allow them to facilitate productive conversations around sexual assault, assists in the survivor recovery process, and shares how the power of personal and community action can be utilized in prevention. Students will leave feeling empowered to create a culture of compassion while realistically facing an issue prevalent on campuses across the country. This program is federally compliant with Title IX guidelines and regularly updated to address emerging research in sexual violence prevention.

Rape Culture: A Survivor’s Perspective

Brittany Piper

Brittany Piper was 20 years old when she was brutally raped by a man pretending to be a good samaritan. Now, nearly ten years later, she refuses to keep silent as she gently unravels this sensitive topic with audiences, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of this prevalent issue. As a survivor and women’s studies scholar (focusing on Gender-Based Violence, Prevention and Rape Culture), with extensive work in local and international organizations (including Rape Crisis Centers in conflict countries): Brittany is able to use her perspective as a survivor, as well as a trauma and prevention expert, to educate communities and organizations on the many perspectives of sexual violence prevention AND recovery.

Her personal and moving story, blended with a non-judgmental and healthy dialogue about rape, compelling research, and interactive activities, offers a meaningful picture of the realities of the toxic culture in which we live. Brittany reveals how we all participate in rape culture, even from a young age, and helps individuals to understand the role they play in either perpetuating or ending the cycle. Participants leave feeling empowered to not only combat sexual violence in their communities, but to be a pillar of strength for the survivors around them.

Wanna Make out? A conversation about consent

Dr. Lori Bednarchik

The vast majority of sex (and sexual activity) that students are having is consensual. So, what can other students learn from those who are doing it right? In a world where students are constantly being told what not to do…to say no, to recognize what a no is, isn’t, and might be…why not flip the script and consider communicating consent in a positive, fun, and sexy way?! Why not consider a model of consent that focuses on YES?

Many colleges and universities across the country are doing just this. They are adopting an affirmative standard of consent. What is so amazing about this new way of communicating (and thinking about) consent is that it recognizes that both women and men are expected (and capable) of engaging in sexual activity that is healthy, respectful, and mutual. Affirmative consent is defined as conscious, voluntary, active, and enthusiastic communication to engage in a sexual act. This way of communicating consent is ongoing throughout a sexual encounter, and focuses on an everyone’s wants, needs, and physical boundaries.

Though replete with simplicity, this way of communicating consent is not intuitive to students. Lori spends time not only helping students understand what affirmative consent is, and how to communicate it, but also addresses why communicating before, during, and after sex and sexual activity can be so challenging.

In the “Wanna Make Out?” program, Lori takes a unique, positive, uninhibited and uncensored approach to talking about sexual consent and communication. The focus throughout the program is promoting safe, fun, positive, and consensual sexual activity, and providing participants with specific and practical skills to effectively communicate to, and with their partner about sex and consent.

Twice as Hard: The conversation we Need to be Having

Cheyenne Tyler Jacobs

When Cheyenne Tyler Jacobs was growing up, she was warned about the system of added obstacles that would stand in her way just because of her appearance. As she got older, she learned the stereotypes imposed on her as a Black neurodiverse woman, created a harsh reality preventing access to the resources necessary to address her sexual assault. Cheyenne now exposes the social structures that told her that she “was not a real victim.”

In this keynote address, Cheyenne authentically combines global and national statistics about the abuses to Black bodies, woven through her own story through, shared with original spoken word poetry. She powerfully exposes the unique realities of a woman of color as a survivor of sexual violence. Cheyenne unpacks uncomfortable realities of the internal dialogues about marginalized communities that fuel the underlying systemic conditions of sexual assault and abuse. Finally, students will explore their own everyday narratives and personal choices so that they can find tangible strategies for positive change.

Beyond #Metoo

Chevara Orrin

Since the #MeToo movement gained national attention, college campuses are grappling with how to create safe spaces, support those who are survivors of sexual violence and educate students about harmful norms of masculinity, behaviors that can lead to self-detrimental, sexist and sometimes violent behavior, including sexual assault. Some campuses are seeing renewed interest in existing programs and others are addressing this issue for the first time, educating all students about healthy relationships and anti-violence measures.

As a survivor of childhood incest and college sexual assault, Chevara understands first-hand the challenge of stigma and trauma. She also knows the power of perseverance and survivorship, and will share her extraordinary journey of self-discovery, forgiveness and reconciliation, and how she learned to transform tragedy into triumph and become an advocate for herself and others. Thrust into the spotlight during a very public 2008 incest trial involving her father, an acclaimed civil rights leader, Chevara shares how she navigated media scrutiny and public opinion, and found space to heal.

Few Talk, Many Affected: A New Perspective About Mental Health And SExual Assault

Dr. Kevin Snyder

Kevin Snyder understands the unique challenges and stressors college students face – he’s not only worked in Student Affairs but he struggled himself. Whether it’s the transition to college, trying to identify career direction, or dealing with anxiety or a trauma incident, these issues impact can take a toll on one’s mental health leading to depression, substance abuse, alcohol dependency, eating disorders – even suicide, the 2nd leading cause of death among college students.

Kevin will bring your students together in unity to have a transparent conversation and plant seeds for a new, transformative reality. Few Talk, Many Affected.

The startling reality is that millions of college students suffer from mental health disorders and the average onset is between 16-25. Moreover, nearly 1 in 5 students will experience a sexual assault.

Campus by campus, Kevin’s new presentation is uplifting, empowering, and engaging. His authentic program is ideal for fraternity and sorority audiences, for male and female campus programming, Orientations, Student Government events, Resident Advisor trainings, and much more. Kevin is talking about what no one else is talking about – because he’s been there and knows how to connect.