Last Wednesday, the University chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) sponsored a relationship forum on dating survivors of sexual assault.
The event opened with remarks by Katrina Salmons, an intern with the University's Sexual and Domestic Violence Services.
"We are here to come together in support of survivors and to take a stand against sexual assault and domestic violence," Salmons said.
A presentation by Scott Anderson and Matt Deasey, members of the men's education group One in Four, followed Salmons's opening statement. The presentation addressed ways in which survivors' partners can help them recover from acts of rape and sexual assault, focusing in particular on the immediate, short-term and long-term recovery needs of survivors.
Anderson stressed the fact that although the presentation was designed to help men and women cope with the psychological ramifications of sexual assault, "nothing can take the place of professional counseling." Anderson and Deasy also addressed the medical and legal issues of sexual assault.
After the presentation, Anderson asked a panel of two men and two women about their experiences with sexual assault. Both men, who gave their first names as Patrick and Scott, had been in relationships with women who had been sexually assaulted or abused.
One of the women, Anna, shared how she had been assaulted her first night at the University. The other, Katie, disclosed the fact that she had been raped three separate times by three different men, one of whom she had known since childhood.
The panelists addressed the specific challenges facing sexual assault survivors and their significant others.
Patrick stressed the importance of communication between partners in such relationships. Scott agreed.
"It's kind of ironic, but talking about the assault actually brings you closer together," he said.
The female panelists agreed on the importance of communication, with Katie adding that "there is a strong urge to keep [assault] hidden." Katie also cited having "trust issues" with later boyfriends as a consequence of rape.
After taking the moderator's questions, the panel then opened the floor to the audience. One member of the audience, a female student, disclosed that she had been raped and expressed her appreciation for the panelists and event organizers. Others sought specific advice on dealing with survivors of sexual assault.
Of the several dozen people who attended the forum, less than one-third were male.
"Personally, I would like to see more men here," said Rachel Forse, a forum attendee.
Men and women will have the opportunity to learn the facts about sexual assault throughout the month of April, which has been designated Sexual Assault Awareness Month by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.
In addition, a number of resources addressing sexual assault are available year-round to University students and local residents.
The University Women's Center, located on the Corner, offers free counseling and professional advice on legal and medical options for survivors of sexual assault. Women and men can also file third-party reports documenting sexual assaults with SARA, as well as filing a police report with the University or Charlottesville police departments.
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