Events aim to increase awareness of sexual assaults

January 10, 2006

The Center for Sexual Assault/Abuse Recovery & Education at the University of Florida will sponsor two events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month in January.

Brett Sokolow, an attorney from Philadelphia with the National Center for Higher Education Risk Management, will speak from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Jan. 12, at Hillel, 2020 W. University Ave. Chris Machen, UF President Bernie Machen’s wife, will give opening remarks. Sokolow will present a sexual assault case he was involved with on a college campus. He treats the audience as a “jury,” presenting both sides of the case, and allows members to ask questions and vote on guilt or innocence. He then reveals what actually happened in the case, with audience members allowed to ask questions. The program usually results in a lively discussion. It is co-sponsored by A.A.R.E.S.T. and the University Athletic Association. A.A.R.E.S.T. stands for Acting Against Rape Every Students’ Task Force, which is part of student government.

The 3rd Annual 3K/5K Take Back the Night Safety Walk/Run will be held Jan. 17. Free food, reflectors and T-shirts will be given to participants. Opening remarks will be given by Joe Goldberg, Student Government president. Traditionally, “Take Back the Night” is a candlelight vigil that occurs with students walking through campus with the message that women can “take back the night” and no longer be afraid of being sexually assaulted. This is the third year that CARE has transformed this event into a safety walk, while still having it at night. The University Police Department and ROTC members will provide guidance on the route and give students flashing reflectors instead of candles. Participants who complete the walk will be given a free T-shirt and certificate. The walk begins and ends at the Reitz Student Union colonnade. Registration begins at 7 p.m. The walk begins at 7:30 p.m. Students can walk the route once for 3K; or twice for 5K. The event is co-sponsored by A.A.R.E.S.T.