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SAPAC celebrates 10 years of programming

Eleven years ago, a group of University students launched a sit-in in what is now the Office for Student Affairs. Their mission -- to heighten awareness of the safety concerns of women on campus and to make apparent the need for a rape crisis center.

Their request led to the formation of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center, which opened its doors as a source of prevention, education and counseling to the University community.

February marks the beginning of SAPAC's 10th-anniversary celebration.

The anniversary's highlight comes with rape prevention month in March with a keynote address by author Evelyn White. White, who wrote a book for black women in abusive relationships, will lecture on feminist issues.

"We are very excited to have Evelyn White come to speak," SAPAC director Debi Cain said. "She carries with her some very powerful words."

SAPAC plans to hold a candlelight vigil in early April in support of sexual assault victims.

The group hopes to branch out from dealing solely with sexual assault and address dating violence, stalking and sexual harassment. SAPAC is planning programs to provide services to families, friends and partners of victims.

"We want to continue our efforts to expand throughout the year," said Joyce Wright, SAPAC prevention education coordinator. "Overall, our goal has been and will continue to be an effort to eradicate these problems."

SAPAC began 10 years ago as a peer education and counseling program to deal with sexual assault. Now, the organization conducts workshops for interested students in residence halls, classrooms and Greek houses.

These workshops attempt to heighten awareness of problems that face students, and to provide them with possible solutions.

SAPAC also has a 24-hour crisis line and outreach program, in which teams of two volunteers provide counseling to victims of sexual assault. "They provide victims with information on their rights and options, and are there with them as long as the survivor needs," Wright said.

SAPAC also sponsors Safewalk and Northwalk, which provide nighttime walking services to students.

"I wanted to do something that was pro-active and educative in my community," said Eric Kessel, a former Safewalk volunteer.