Opportunities for Involvement

Educating yourself and others about sexual assault is an important part of ending sexual violence.  Several campus and community programs offer opportunities to be involved.

Campus opportunities

JOIN WAVES (WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT).  Contact the Coordinator of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program; Nicole Hall, (513)529.1870 or hallnl@muohio.edu

JOIN MARS (MEN AGAINST RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT).  MARS, a program begun in the 2001-2002 school year, addresses rape as a men’s issue. Male students meet in small all-male groups to discuss how men can make a difference. To request a MARS program or to become involved in the group, email MARS@muohio.edu.

JOIN AWS (ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN STUDENTS).  AWS is a student organization that raises awareness, promotes activism and works to strengthen the women’s community.  To learn more about AWS, call 513-529-5122 or stop by their office in 28 MacMillan Hall.  The Women’s Center (205 MacMillan Hall, 513-529-1510) also has information about AWS.

PARTICIPATE IN “TAKE BACK THE NIGHT” ACTIVITIES.  Since 1984, the Association for Women Students (AWS) has organized the annual Take Back the Night (TBTN) Speak Outs and March.  Held each fall, typically in November, TBTN unifies women and men in raising awareness about and speaking up against sexual violence.  Watch for publicity about TBTN or contact AWS (28 MacMillan Hall, 513-529-5122) or the Women's Center (205 MacMillan Hall, 513-529-1510).

VOLUNTEER FOR THE CLOTHESLINE PROJECT.  Stop by or call the Women’s Center in 205 MacMillan Hall (513-529-1510) to find out about volunteering for the Women’s Center’s annual Clothesline Project held each fall, typically the same week as Take Back the Night. 

REQUEST A HAWKS PEER EDUCATION PROGRAM.  The HAWKS (Health Advocates for Wellness Knowledge and Skills) peer educators provide programming on several student health issues including sexual assault.  Any student organization or residence hall can request a program by calling 513-529-8544. 

Community opportunities

BECOME A VOLUNTEER VICTIM ADVOCATE.  The Butler County Rape Crisis Program trains interested individuals to become Volunteer Victim Advocates.  Volunteers are trained to provide crisis intervention, information and referrals to survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones.  Volunteers provide this support via telephone, and in-person at Butler County hospitals.  Requirements include: 18 years of age or older, completed application, screening interview and criminal background check, and completion of the training course.  Reliable transportation is preferred.  For more information, or to get an application, please contact Becky Perkins at perkins624@yahoo.com or by phone at 513-523-4149.