Its that time of year again: Peer Recruitment!!!
We have three levels of peers:
Advocate:
-this is for Graduate students and faculty/staff.
-Highly trained to provide crisis intervention and accompaniment through medical and police proceedings as necessary in the absence of the Sexual Assault Services Coordinator.
-Carry the GMU SAS 24-hour cell phone when the SAS Coordinator is away from GMU.
-Provide crisis intervention, hospital and police accompaniment and encouraging victims/survivors to maintain safe behavior and/or modify current unsafe behavior.
Educator:
-this is for Undergraduate and graduate students
-Receive intensive training on issues surrounding sexual assault and facilitation skills
-Take their knowledge into classrooms, dormitories and community agencies.
-Maintain a nonjudgmental approach as they encourage individuals and groups to think and talk about the issues around sexual assault and dating violence that impact young adults.
-Facilitate interactive sessions in the resident halls, University 100 classes, club and organizational meetings, and in academic classrooms on topics related to sexual assault .
Companion:
-this is for Undergraduate and graduate students
-Work closely with the Sexual Assault Services Coordinator and serve as an adjunct to professional work of the office.
-Help increase the victim/survivor’s effectiveness in coping with the aftermath of an assault by providing a confidential format to explore feelings of isolation.
-Matched with victims/survivors and then supervised closely by SAS staff. Based on availability, age and similarity with the victim/survivor, and other attributes, such as educational level, which have a high probability of rapport-development. Available to link with the victim/survivor in person, on the telephone, or by email; supply information and referrals; and accompany the victim/survivor to any incident-related appointments.
-Valuable resource for victims/survivors who may want to talk about reactions and emotions following an assault.
If you would like to fill out an application, please visit the GMU SAS website at: http://sexualassaultservices.gmu.edu/GetInvolved.htm
to download an application.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Mason Holds Day of Remembrance for Virginia Tech Victims
From the GMU webpage today:
To commemorate the lives lost on the Virginia Tech campus a year ago, and to acknowledge violence at other universities and colleges throughout the past year, Mason will hold a series of events on Wednesday, April 16.
The events will seek to unite the Mason community while providing a safe venue in which to discourage violence.
Student Government members and student leaders will remember the moment –when the first shots were heard at 7:15 a.m. on April 16, 2007– by placing white ribbons around the trees throughout the North Plaza and Student Union Building I areas.
At noon, university administrators, students, faculty and staff are invited to the Johnson Center to hear commemorative speeches by Mason President Alan Merten and Student Body President Drew Shelnutt.
The speeches will be followed by a moment of silence and a performance by Laura Mays, a Mason student who wrote a song about the tragedy.
A kiosk will also be set up in the Johnson Center for members of the Mason community to pick up a ribbon or make their own. Staff from Sexual Assault Services and Counseling and Psychological Services will be available to offer support to anyone who needs it. A banner promoting nonviolence will be on display for the Mason community to sign.
At 7:30 p.m., a vigil and night of reflection for the university and surrounding community will be held on the North Plaza. The Student Activities Office will provide candles, and the reflection will be facilitated by a Mason student or staff member.
In addition, Virginia Gov. Timothy Kaine has ordered the state flag be lowered to half-staff for the day and has called for a moment of silence, followed by a tolling of bells statewide, in memory of those killed last year.
For more information about the commemorative events, e-mail Student Body Vice President Ijeoma Nwatu at sbvp@gmu.edu.
The events will seek to unite the Mason community while providing a safe venue in which to discourage violence.
Student Government members and student leaders will remember the moment –when the first shots were heard at 7:15 a.m. on April 16, 2007– by placing white ribbons around the trees throughout the North Plaza and Student Union Building I areas.
At noon, university administrators, students, faculty and staff are invited to the Johnson Center to hear commemorative speeches by Mason President Alan Merten and Student Body President Drew Shelnutt.
The speeches will be followed by a moment of silence and a performance by Laura Mays, a Mason student who wrote a song about the tragedy.
A kiosk will also be set up in the Johnson Center for members of the Mason community to pick up a ribbon or make their own. Staff from Sexual Assault Services and Counseling and Psychological Services will be available to offer support to anyone who needs it. A banner promoting nonviolence will be on display for the Mason community to sign.
At 7:30 p.m., a vigil and night of reflection for the university and surrounding community will be held on the North Plaza. The Student Activities Office will provide candles, and the reflection will be facilitated by a Mason student or staff member.
In addition, Virginia Gov. Timothy Kaine has ordered the state flag be lowered to half-staff for the day and has called for a moment of silence, followed by a tolling of bells statewide, in memory of those killed last year.
For more information about the commemorative events, e-mail Student Body Vice President Ijeoma Nwatu at sbvp@gmu.edu.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Reminders
Victim's Rights week kicks off this weekend!
GMU will be honoring the Virginia Tech massacre victims with two special ceremonies: one at 7 a.m. on April 16, 2008 and the other at 7 p.m. on the same day. Both will occur in the JC plaza near the statue.
GMU will be honoring the Virginia Tech massacre victims with two special ceremonies: one at 7 a.m. on April 16, 2008 and the other at 7 p.m. on the same day. Both will occur in the JC plaza near the statue.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer for ALL COMMUNITY POSTINGS TO THE SITE:
By posting to the George Mason University’s Sexual Assault Services Message Board (Discussion Forum), Chat Room or sending letters, you agree that George Mason University Sexual Assault Services can display, modify, transmit, distribute or delete your posting without needing permission from you.
George Mason University Sexual Assault Services is not responsible for the content of posted comments or images. Postings may be removed by George Mason University Sexual Assault Services at any time at their sole discretion.
In no event will George Mason University Sexual Assault Services be liable to you for any damages of any kind, even if George Mason University Sexual Assault Services is informed in advance of the possibility of such damages.
By posting to the George Mason University’s Sexual Assault Services Message Board (Discussion Forum), Chat Room or sending letters, you agree that George Mason University Sexual Assault Services can display, modify, transmit, distribute or delete your posting without needing permission from you.
George Mason University Sexual Assault Services is not responsible for the content of posted comments or images. Postings may be removed by George Mason University Sexual Assault Services at any time at their sole discretion.
In no event will George Mason University Sexual Assault Services be liable to you for any damages of any kind, even if George Mason University Sexual Assault Services is informed in advance of the possibility of such damages.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Victim's Rights Week
Victim's Rights Week is quickly approaching, and SAS and the GMU community has many events planned.
Take a look at the website for more details, but in quick listing:
National Observance and Candlelight Ceremony. Thursday, April 10, 2008. 6:30–7:30 p.m.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 1615 H Street NW., Washington, D.C.
- main speaker is author Dominick Dunne, who will discuss the murder of his daughter
Attorney General's Crime Victim Service Awards Ceremony Friday, April 11, 2008. 2:30–4:30 p.m
Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. 1301 Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C. Time: You must register to attend.
Northern Virginia Annual Candlelight Vigil of Courage, Hope and RemembranceSunday, April 13, 2008. 3:00 pm
Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pky, Fairfax, VA
- main speaker is Joe Samaha, father of Rema Samaha, one of the 32 murdered VA Tech students
12th Annual Crime Victims’ Rights 5K Run/Walk in collaboration with the Aimee Willard Endowment Scholarship FundTuesday April 15.
Walk begins at Noon.
Late registration begins at 10:30.
GMU Fairfax Campus on Mason Pond Drive in front of the Center for the Arts.
Join President Merten, fellow Mason students, and the community as they take steps for victims’ rights! Registration required: $5 for Mason Students, $12 for Mason Faculty/Staff, $20 for General Public (group discounts available). Trophies will be awarded. Prizes, T-shirts and refreshments!
Sponsors: Army ROTC, The Office of Housin and Residence Life, Intercollegiate Athletics, Sexual Assault Services, and University Police Department.
http://sexualassaultservices.gmu.edu/VRW.htm#VRW08
Take a look at the website for more details, but in quick listing:
National Observance and Candlelight Ceremony. Thursday, April 10, 2008. 6:30–7:30 p.m.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 1615 H Street NW., Washington, D.C.
- main speaker is author Dominick Dunne, who will discuss the murder of his daughter
Attorney General's Crime Victim Service Awards Ceremony Friday, April 11, 2008. 2:30–4:30 p.m
Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. 1301 Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C. Time: You must register to attend.
Northern Virginia Annual Candlelight Vigil of Courage, Hope and RemembranceSunday, April 13, 2008. 3:00 pm
Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pky, Fairfax, VA
- main speaker is Joe Samaha, father of Rema Samaha, one of the 32 murdered VA Tech students
12th Annual Crime Victims’ Rights 5K Run/Walk in collaboration with the Aimee Willard Endowment Scholarship FundTuesday April 15.
Walk begins at Noon.
Late registration begins at 10:30.
GMU Fairfax Campus on Mason Pond Drive in front of the Center for the Arts.
Join President Merten, fellow Mason students, and the community as they take steps for victims’ rights! Registration required: $5 for Mason Students, $12 for Mason Faculty/Staff, $20 for General Public (group discounts available). Trophies will be awarded. Prizes, T-shirts and refreshments!
Sponsors: Army ROTC, The Office of Housin and Residence Life, Intercollegiate Athletics, Sexual Assault Services, and University Police Department.
http://sexualassaultservices.gmu.edu/VRW.htm#VRW08
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Comments and Updates!!
The website for the GMU Sexual Assault Services is sexualassaultservices.gmu.edu
The deadline for the survivor quilt squares is March 17, 2008. They should be turned in to Room 205 in the SUB I building.
The Coordinating Council had a meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2008. Updates on what was discussed at this meeting will be forthcoming. It was decided there to add a note on this site about posting. Please check back next week for that information.
The deadline for the survivor quilt squares is March 17, 2008. They should be turned in to Room 205 in the SUB I building.
The Coordinating Council had a meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2008. Updates on what was discussed at this meeting will be forthcoming. It was decided there to add a note on this site about posting. Please check back next week for that information.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Still More Upcoming Events
Safe Spring Break Week: March 3-7, 2008.
Events:
Monday 03/03/08
Waffle Day Kiosk – 11:30 am - 12:30 pm in Dewberry Hall
Kiosk at the 2nd Annual Top That! - Waffle Day 2008 - Give-aways and Healthy Hook Up Kits
Tuesday 03/04/08
Spring Break Hits Ciao Hall - 11:30 - 1:30 in Ciao Hall
Start your break a little early! Join us for food from the road, some music, and lots of great give-aways at the Safe Spring Break Awareness Week table.
School of Rock & A BBQ 7:30 outside Shenandoah Hall
Take a time out to get ready for Spring Break. Join us for dinner and a movie. Outside Location: Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Hall Courtyard located in front of the Corner Pocket Game RoomRain Site: Shenandoah Tiered Seminar Room located on the 1st floor of Shenandoah opposite the Blue Ridge Convenience Store. Give-aways and Healthy Hook Up Kits.
Wednesday 03/05/08
Spring Break Hits the JC, 12–1PM and 5-6PM
A One Man Caribbean Band, Popcorn, Give-aways and Healthy Hook Up Kits
Safe Spring Break Awareness Week kiosk – JC Atrium, 1-5
Get all the information you need for a fantastic spring break and lots of great give-aways at the Safe Spring Break Awareness Week Kiosk.
Arlington Kiosk - Exact time and location will be posted soon
Give-aways and Healthy Hook Up Kits
Thursday 03/08/08
Prince William Programming - Exact time and location will be posted soon
Give-aways and Healthy Hook Up Kits
Survivor Quilt:
The Survivor Quilt is a visual display to remember those who have been victimized by dating/domestic violence, sexual assault and/or stalking and to bring awareness of these issues to our campus community. Quilt squares can be designed by individuals to represent a personal experience or to honor someone they know who has been affected. Those individuals who do not know anyone who has been a victim of these issues are encouraged to decorate a square to show their support for the survivors in their community.
The Survivor Quilt will be hung on campus during Victims’ Rights Week in April 2008. Each year we will add on to the quilt, giving everyone the opportunity to become a part of this representation of hope and survival. This quilt is intended to be a unifying tool for victims as we sew together individual stories creating a sense of unity and supportiveness. Remember, one square doesn’t create a quilt; all of our stories are needed for this unifying project. Completed squares need to be dropped off by March 1st at SUB I Room 220.
Support victims and survivors of domestic violence with a Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Bracelet. $3 in the Wellness Education Resource Room (SUB I 220).
Sexual Assault Services in collaboration with the Avon Foundation Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program are providing you the opportunity to join in the effort to end domestic/dating violence.
Proceeds go to George Mason University Victims of Violence Fund. This bracelet helps fund education, awareness and prevention programs as well as direct services to assist dating/domestic violence victims and survivors.
Support those you love, care about, and admire with the purchase of this bracelet.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by domestic violence, contact Sexual Assault Services. We're here to listen, and we can help.
Events:
Monday 03/03/08
Waffle Day Kiosk – 11:30 am - 12:30 pm in Dewberry Hall
Kiosk at the 2nd Annual Top That! - Waffle Day 2008 - Give-aways and Healthy Hook Up Kits
Tuesday 03/04/08
Spring Break Hits Ciao Hall - 11:30 - 1:30 in Ciao Hall
Start your break a little early! Join us for food from the road, some music, and lots of great give-aways at the Safe Spring Break Awareness Week table.
School of Rock & A BBQ 7:30 outside Shenandoah Hall
Take a time out to get ready for Spring Break. Join us for dinner and a movie. Outside Location: Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Hall Courtyard located in front of the Corner Pocket Game RoomRain Site: Shenandoah Tiered Seminar Room located on the 1st floor of Shenandoah opposite the Blue Ridge Convenience Store. Give-aways and Healthy Hook Up Kits.
Wednesday 03/05/08
Spring Break Hits the JC, 12–1PM and 5-6PM
A One Man Caribbean Band, Popcorn, Give-aways and Healthy Hook Up Kits
Safe Spring Break Awareness Week kiosk – JC Atrium, 1-5
Get all the information you need for a fantastic spring break and lots of great give-aways at the Safe Spring Break Awareness Week Kiosk.
Arlington Kiosk - Exact time and location will be posted soon
Give-aways and Healthy Hook Up Kits
Thursday 03/08/08
Prince William Programming - Exact time and location will be posted soon
Give-aways and Healthy Hook Up Kits
Survivor Quilt:
The Survivor Quilt is a visual display to remember those who have been victimized by dating/domestic violence, sexual assault and/or stalking and to bring awareness of these issues to our campus community. Quilt squares can be designed by individuals to represent a personal experience or to honor someone they know who has been affected. Those individuals who do not know anyone who has been a victim of these issues are encouraged to decorate a square to show their support for the survivors in their community.
The Survivor Quilt will be hung on campus during Victims’ Rights Week in April 2008. Each year we will add on to the quilt, giving everyone the opportunity to become a part of this representation of hope and survival. This quilt is intended to be a unifying tool for victims as we sew together individual stories creating a sense of unity and supportiveness. Remember, one square doesn’t create a quilt; all of our stories are needed for this unifying project. Completed squares need to be dropped off by March 1st at SUB I Room 220.
Support victims and survivors of domestic violence with a Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Bracelet. $3 in the Wellness Education Resource Room (SUB I 220).
Sexual Assault Services in collaboration with the Avon Foundation Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program are providing you the opportunity to join in the effort to end domestic/dating violence.
Proceeds go to George Mason University Victims of Violence Fund. This bracelet helps fund education, awareness and prevention programs as well as direct services to assist dating/domestic violence victims and survivors.
Support those you love, care about, and admire with the purchase of this bracelet.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by domestic violence, contact Sexual Assault Services. We're here to listen, and we can help.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Updates February 2007
We are going to be very busy in the latter part of the spring semester. Below are just a few offerings:
1. The SAS Coordinating Council will be having a meeting in the JC Robeson Room, on Tuesday, March 4th, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. This group is composed of victim service providers both on campus and in our surrounding community...advocates, law enforcement, and health professionals. On this particular day, our agenda will include the following topics:
-Review of our 2008 Healthy Relationships Week which was held February 1-8
-Review of newly enacted/pending Virginia legislation regarding sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, and stalking
-Presentation of new initiatives this spring - Write to Heal group, 'One Can' campaign, and the Survival Quilt Project
-Information about remaining spring theme weeks -- Safe Spring Break (March 3-7) and Victims' Rights Week (April 13-18)
This year's Victims' Rights Week will include our 12th Annual Victims' Rights Walk/Run on April 15 as well as the commemoration of the one year anniversary of the Virginia Tech tragedy (April 16). If there are any suggestions as to what the GMU community can do to commemorate the tragedy, please post ideas on this blog or email the creator of the blog (macker1@gmu.edu).
One of our own Peers Patty Zorbas and staff member Kathleen Gless will discuss the Write to Heal Group that they are co-facilitating this spring.
We will also be preparing presentations for two Healthy Sexuality classes, occuring on April 29 and May 5 at 7:30pm in PE 217 again.
1. The SAS Coordinating Council will be having a meeting in the JC Robeson Room, on Tuesday, March 4th, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. This group is composed of victim service providers both on campus and in our surrounding community...advocates, law enforcement, and health professionals. On this particular day, our agenda will include the following topics:
-Review of our 2008 Healthy Relationships Week which was held February 1-8
-Review of newly enacted/pending Virginia legislation regarding sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, and stalking
-Presentation of new initiatives this spring - Write to Heal group, 'One Can' campaign, and the Survival Quilt Project
-Information about remaining spring theme weeks -- Safe Spring Break (March 3-7) and Victims' Rights Week (April 13-18)
This year's Victims' Rights Week will include our 12th Annual Victims' Rights Walk/Run on April 15 as well as the commemoration of the one year anniversary of the Virginia Tech tragedy (April 16). If there are any suggestions as to what the GMU community can do to commemorate the tragedy, please post ideas on this blog or email the creator of the blog (macker1@gmu.edu).
One of our own Peers Patty Zorbas and staff member Kathleen Gless will discuss the Write to Heal Group that they are co-facilitating this spring.
We will also be preparing presentations for two Healthy Sexuality classes, occuring on April 29 and May 5 at 7:30pm in PE 217 again.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Who We Are
Hello! This blog features the George Mason University Sexual Assault Services (SAS) department, where we will keep you informed as to who we are, and the upcoming events that we are coordinating.
First off, SAS is committed to: Providing direct services for survivors of sexual assault, and Offering sexual assault education and information to the university community. All services are available to survivors, and to their families, significant others, and friends at no cost. We are here for anyone who has been a victim of sexual violence: men, women, old, young, and those with disabilities regardless of race, color, or orientation - gay, straight, bisexual, or transgender. We are dedicated to helping create a world in which our services are no longer needed.
Upcoming Events:
Eve Ensler Extravaganza - The Vagina Monologues and A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and a Prayer. Tickets on sale now!!!
The Vagina Monologues: Coming Again… February 1 & 2, 2008, at 8:00 p.m. In GMU's Harris Theatre. Tickets on sale now in the Center for the Arts box office: $5 GMU students (with ID), $10 faculty/staff, $25 community members
A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and a Prayer - February 3, 2008, 2:00 p.m. In GMU's Harris Theatre. Tickets on sale now in the Center for the Arts box office: $5 GMU students (with ID), $10 faculty/staff, $15 community members.
A package deal for The Vagina Monologues and A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and a Prayer is also available ($7 for Mason students, $15 for Mason faculty/staff and $30 for the general public).
Please visit our website: http://www.gmu.edu/facstaff/sexual/MMRP_FAQ.htm for more information on this great event.
Please check back with us frequently for more great events!
First off, SAS is committed to: Providing direct services for survivors of sexual assault, and Offering sexual assault education and information to the university community. All services are available to survivors, and to their families, significant others, and friends at no cost. We are here for anyone who has been a victim of sexual violence: men, women, old, young, and those with disabilities regardless of race, color, or orientation - gay, straight, bisexual, or transgender. We are dedicated to helping create a world in which our services are no longer needed.
Upcoming Events:
Eve Ensler Extravaganza - The Vagina Monologues and A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and a Prayer. Tickets on sale now!!!
The Vagina Monologues: Coming Again… February 1 & 2, 2008, at 8:00 p.m. In GMU's Harris Theatre. Tickets on sale now in the Center for the Arts box office: $5 GMU students (with ID), $10 faculty/staff, $25 community members
A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and a Prayer - February 3, 2008, 2:00 p.m. In GMU's Harris Theatre. Tickets on sale now in the Center for the Arts box office: $5 GMU students (with ID), $10 faculty/staff, $15 community members.
A package deal for The Vagina Monologues and A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and a Prayer is also available ($7 for Mason students, $15 for Mason faculty/staff and $30 for the general public).
Please visit our website: http://www.gmu.edu/facstaff/sexual/MMRP_FAQ.htm for more information on this great event.
Please check back with us frequently for more great events!
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