Rock Against Rape highlights resources for survivors of sexual violence

The Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information office held a concert last weekend as an alternative way to raise awareness about the resources available for survivors of sexual violence.

“So many people don’t know that (SAAVI is) here,” said Amanda Gibb, a SAAVI intern and organizer of the first Rock Against Rape concert. “We are free and confidential so you can come in and talk to us, and we can’t tell anyone what you’ve told us, and we can tell you what your options are.”

A study by the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network found that 98 percent of rapists will never see a day in jail, 68 percent of sexual assault cases are never reported to the police, and every 107 seconds an American is sexually assaulted.

Between sets, Gibb and another SAAVI intern, Jaylnn Johnson, spoke to the audience about the seriousness of sexual assault.

“If you don’t remember anything about this event, we want you to remember that anyone can make a difference,” Johnson said.

The event had support from USU and Logan groups, including KSM music, USU Dining Services, the Whittier Community Center, the Independent Music Club and local bands PantherMilk, Kitfox, Wood and Fire and Ocean Commotion.

“We just find it really fun to play shows for a cause,” said Adam Fuller of Ocean Commotion.

This year, the SAVVI Rock Against Rape team called upon Jasmine Despain, who was involved with The Vagina Monologues and Take Back the Night, and Andrew Swanson, assistant coordinator for V-Men at USU, and asked them to speak in-between bands during the concert.

An additional focus of the event was to emphasize that survivors of sexual assault are not always women. According to RAINN, 1 in 7 men are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.

“We know that for male survivors it can be even harder to come to terms with a sexual assault,” Gibb said.

Johnson said a crucial aspect of the awareness-raising event is to let students know that resources exist to help students get their lives back on track after a traumatic event.

“You’d think we would have tons of clients coming in getting help but we don’t because they don’t report it for many different reasons,”Johnson said.

— saraalbertson13@gmail.com