Did you know that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month? Individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 are at risk of sexual violence at a rate three times higher than other age groups, and the risk is even greater for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals. Sexual violence can affect a student’s physical and mental health, which can then heavily impact their ability to learn, socialize and develop professionally. Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) aims to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities about how to prevent it. 

In 2019, Franklin & Marshall College developed a partnership with Lancaster County’s designated rape crisis center, the YWCA of Lancaster’s Sexual Assault Prevention & Counseling Center. Through this partnership, a campus advocate is available to offer confidential counseling sessions to individuals who have been impacted by sexual violence, as well as their loved ones. The YWCA also offers on-campus trainings and events for students, faculty and staff that teach and discuss awareness and prevention of sexual violence. Students can schedule an appointment by calling 717-869-5009 or emailing wehearyou@ywcalancaster.org.

Peer Health Educators also play a key role in promoting awareness about sexual violence. This team of trained F&M student leaders offers workshops on topics like bystander intervention, consent education, healthy relationships and much more. Each Peer Health Educator holds weekly office hours, during which any student can drop by to learn about resources or connect with a trained peer for support. Additionally, Peer Health Educators lead initiatives and host events all month long to promote SAAM.

To learn more about the Office of Student Wellness Education & Violence Prevention (WEVP), or to get more information about resources and support for individuals impacted by sexual violence, visit the WEVP website, or contact Sam Thiry, director of wellness programs, at sthiry@fandm.edu.

DipCares

Many students face challenges during college that can interfere with their success. DipCares is a wellness program at F&M that directs students toward available supportive resources, empowers them to seek them out and ask for help when needed, and ensures faculty and staff know how to help if students are distressed.

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