What: Sexual Assault Awareness Seminar hosted by Sigma Kappa and UPD
Where: Teachers College Room 120
When: April 6 at 7 p.m.
The seminar is free to students.
In an effort to bring awareness and promote self-defense, Sigma Kappa and the Ball State University Police Department have teamed up to host their first Sexual Assault Awareness Seminar.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Sigma Kappa and UPD’s seminar will take place April 6 at 7 p.m. in Teachers College Room 120.
One in 4 women experience sexual assault on a college campus, according to a 2015 survey conducted by the Association of American Universities. Of those reports, 27.2 percent experienced unwanted sexual contact ranging from touching to rape.
Samantha Coppedge, Sigma Kappa president, said while people are aware of the issue, there is still an overall lack of education and knowledge as to how to protect yourself, which is the purpose of the seminar.
"Even though people are aware of sexual assaults and are aware that it is happening, I don’t think people really realize how often it happens,” Coppedge said. “It is very prevalent on college campuses and a lot of people don’t know how to protect themselves.”
UPD will present a demonstration for women, known as Rape Aggression Defense System (R.A.D.) during the seminar.
R.A.D. is a free comprehensive program offered to Ball State students by UPD that teaches realistic self-defense tactics and techniques, according to bsu.edu. R.A.D. teaches women defensive concepts and techniques against various types of assault by using easy, effective and proven self-defense and martial arts tactics.
Along with the R.A.D. program, UPD will also be bringing punch and kick pads for students to try.
The Women in Business organization will also be at the event to raise money for Muncie’s YWCA, an emergency shelter for women and women with children.
A lot of the women who take advantage of the YWCA are there because they have gone through domestic violence, which is why it is important to donate and show support, Coppedge said.
While the seminar will be geared more toward females, Coppedge said its important for all students to get involved in the seminar.
“Being a part of this is a great way for people in the community, no matter their gender, to come together and just learn about sexual assault and ways to defend themselves,” Coppedge said. "It’s great to gain that protection and understanding so if you are in that situation you know what you can do and how to protect yourself."
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