Every two minutes, someone is sexually assaulted.
The statistic from several reports may appear grim, but UF and other agencies in Gainesville have a message to spread: Sexual violence will not be tolerated.
This message will be heard loud and clear tonight at 5:30 when UF students meet on the Plaza of the Americas to march against sexual violence.
The event, called Take Back the Night, is sponsored by the Alachua County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center and various UF organizations to kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Jessie Lazarchik, an Alachua County victim advocate, said this “empowering” event is a chance to give UF a voice against sexual assault.
“This event allows everyone to come together and create a positive atmosphere to speak out against sexual violence,” Lazarchik said.
Rita Lawrence, a GatorWell Health Promotion Services interpersonal violence prevention coordinator, said sexual assault is a “silent epidemic.” Only two out of 10 victims of sexual assault report it, and half of women who were victims don’t even consider what happened to them assault, she said.
Jennifer Heard, an Alachua County victim advocate therapist, said effects of sexual assault vary from person to person. The most common consequences include flashbacks, nightmares, loss of sense of safety and a distrust with self and others.
Heard said educating the public about “bystander intervention” is key to preventing sexual assault.
“If you see something, say something,” she said.
Heard said she encourages victims to report sexual assault incidents in whatever ways they feel comfortable.
“We are not going to turn our back on you,” Heard said. “The healing process is uncomfortable and hard, but help is available when you are ready to get through it.”
[A version of this story ran on page 3 on 4/3/2014 under the headline "Gainesville to take back the night, raise assault awareness"]
