CCU’s LiveWell, Center for Health and Well-Being recognize National Sexual Assault Awareness Month with several events

March 28, 2024

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Coastal Carolina University's LiveWell and the Center for Health and Well-Being are recognizing National Sexual Assault Awareness Month with a screening of Disfluency on Wednesday, April 3, from 6-8 p.m. in Johnson Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

"Recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is crucial for several reasons," said Bevelyn Mitchell, assistant director of interpersonal violence prevention and services in CCU's Center for Health and Well-Being. "SAAM events provide opportunities to educate students about sexual violence prevention, consent, healthy relationships, and resources available for survivors. This education is vital to preventing sexual violence and supporting survivors. SAAM activities create a supportive community for survivors and advocates, encouraging them to break the silence surrounding sexual assault and seek help."

The plot of Disfluency centers around Jean, a college senior who fails her final class before graduation after being sexually assaulted at a party. It depicts the world of trauma from the perspective of the survivor. The purpose of the film is to raise awareness about the impact of trauma, break the silence around assault, and emphasize the importance of therapy and support to move forward.

"Screenings of films such as Disfluency can promote important themes related to sexual prevention, such as bystander intervention, communication skills, and trauma's impact," said Mitchell. "These screenings can inspire dialogue and action to implement effective strategies on campus. It promotes a culture of empowerment, where individuals actively work toward preventing and addressing assault."

Other campus events recognizing National Sexual Assault Awareness Month include:

• From April 1-30, The Clothesline Project T-shirt exhibit will be on display in the Lib Jackson Student Union.

• On April 14 from noon to 2 p.m., CHANTS Chalk It Up to Consent will take place on Prince Lawn. Students can share messages of support in this safe space for all.

• On April 24, CCU celebrates Denim Day, an awareness campaign that honors survivors of sexual assault and is a conversation starter about the dangers of victim blaming.

LiveWell and the Center for Health and Well-Being provide resources to the campus community all year long. The University's interpersonal violence prevention services include individual confidential advocacy to CCU community members impacted by any form of sexual misconduct, regardless of when or where it has occurred.