The Associated Students of Madison Campus Safety Campaign held a press conference Tuesday to discuss sexual assault.
Speakers included Campus Safety Coordinator Erica Tietz; President of Wisconsin National Organization of Women and founder of Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment and Men Opposing Sexual Assault Angela Bartucci; Madison Police Department Officer Jean VanDenBogart, Executive Director of the Rape Crisis Center, Becky Westerfelt; and state Rep. Terese Berceau, D-Madison.
The group chose Luther’s Blues, 320 N. Randall Ct., because of the values they feel it exemplifies.
“I chose Luther’s because they are a wonderful example of a responsible venue,” Tietz said. “They provide alternative entertainment with their eighteen-and-up nights. They always have security at the door and [more security] making sure patrons are safe.”
Bartucci spoke about her involvement in the campus community and the successes her organizations have had.
“Through PAVE, we have honored many sexual assault survivors. We are planning a conference of healing for April.”
Despite the successes, Bartucci said the organization still has a long way to go.
“We live in a victim-blaming society. It is up to each one of you on a personal level, because every single person knows a survivor of a sex crime. We need to educate ourselves about the prevalence, the misconceptions and the silence that shrouds the truth about sexual violence.”
VanDenBogart discussed the role of the campus police in stopping sex crimes.
“We want everyone to know we take this very seriously. We don’t want to re-victimize,” VanDenBogart said. “We are a partner in the [healing] process. We want to make it as easy as possible.”
Westerfelt spoke about her involvement in the Rape Crisis Center and the importance of intervention.
She urged victims to take advantage of the assistance offered by the Crisis Center.
“We have one-on-one counseling and advocacy programs. There are a lot of resources available. Take care of each other ? be somebody who can be confided in.”
Berceau talked about her sponsorship of a bill that would increase the penalties for rape under the influence of alcohol. Under current laws, sexual assault is not considered rape if alcohol is involved, unless it can be proven that the victim was unconscious at the time.
“This reflects the attitude in society that what happens under the influence is not necessarily a crime. [Society] denies the fact that alcohol has a relationship to sexual assault. [This bill] challenges the ingrained cultural attitude that if you’ve been drinking, you’re asking for it.”
Although a problem exists on campus, it is also plaguing the nation.
“This is a campus problem, but it reflects the problem of a nation. We, as a community, need to make it clear to assailants that sexual assault will not be tolerated. We need to stop victim blaming.”
To report an incident of sexual assault, or for counseling, students have multiple options. The Campus Rape Crisis Center is located at 905 University Avenue, room 126, and its 24-hour Crisis Line is 251-7273. The Dean of Students can be reached at 263-2957.
