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Clothesline project kicks off Sexual Assault Awareness month

Awareness fair, discussion, open mic night highlight activities

Studies say 83 percent of female sexual assault victims are under the age of 24, which is why organizers of the UA's Sexual Assault Awareness month consider education on the subject to be so crucial.

"College-age women are the most at risk so we want them to know they are not alone," said Ann Novakowski, a member of the Arizona Americorps Sexual Assault Advocacy Program.

Americorps has planned several events - many of which will be taking place at the University of Arizona - for Sexual Assault Awareness month in Tucson.

"The goal of these events is to dispel some common myths and to honor survivors," Novakowski said.

Last year, Arizona Gov. Jane Hull proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness month.

"This is the first year (the UA) will be participating in these type of events, so we really hope that everyone is made aware of the resources in the Tucson community for them," Novakowski said.

Today's clothesline project will be taking place on the University of Arizona Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students are encouraged to paint T-shirts that tell the story of their assault, or to view other victims' work.

"I think we will have a positive reaction to the clothesline project, even though it may be hard for (the victims) to talk about it, they should so that everyone will be aware," said Hema Khan, who works at the UA Oasis Center for Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence.

The UA Women's Resource Center will be hosting a sexual assault video and discussion series beginning tomorrow and continuing on April 11, 18 and 25.

The Sexual Assault Awareness fair will take place on April 19, where community organizations will have tables set up on the UA Mall to offer pamphlets and brochures. KAMP Radio will be playing music about sexual assault, Novakowski said.

On April 24, an open mic night will take place at Bentley's House of Coffee & Tea, 1730 E. Speedway Blvd., where students can express their thoughts of sexual violence though music and poetry.