April 10, 2008 issue
OASIS Hosts Events For
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Story by Garrett Simmons
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and OASIS (Apposing Abuse with Services, Information, and Shelter) is hosting several events to increase awareness and end sexual assault in Watauga County.
OASIS Executive Director Jennifer Herman said that after 30 years of fighting sexual assault, public awareness is more important than ever. “Statistics show that nothing has changed,” she said. “Despite all efforts of OASIS and local law enforcement, sexual assault rates are still alarmingly high. Something simply isn’t working.”
Herman said the events in April are aimed at continuing public discussion of sexual assault. “The first step towards any amount of progress is an open discussion about the problem,” she said. “If it’s not brought out into the open, into the public mind, then nothing will ever be accomplished.”
On Wednesday, April 23, to protest a 1998 Italian Supreme Court decision, OASIS will observe Denim Day. The 1998 decision overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing jeans. The court determined the victim’s jeans were an invitation to rape. Denim Day is a nation wide protest against the destructive attitudes that are still prevalent today. “It is shocking,” said Herman, “that this case occurred as recently as 1998. Examples of this kind are still happening today, as proof of the harmful way that many people still view sexual assault. Denim Day is a way of fighting that mind set and emphasizing that rape is never the victim’s fault.” People are encouraged to wear blue jeans and engage in discussions about the day of protest.
Also on Wednesday, April 23, OASIS and the Department of Social Services will host joint training sessions on child abuse prevention. Training will take place at the Watauga County Library from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Herman extended an open invitation to the entire community. “These classes aren’t just for parents; they’re for everyone. It’s a community responsibility,” she said.
On Tuesday, April 29, OASIS will participate in Report IT, a nation wide campaign to raise awareness by encouraging the vast number of unreported assault victims to step forward. Angela Shelton, maker of the film Searching for Angela Shelton, started the event.
For her film, Shelton surveyed women in the United States who shared her name and found that 70 percent had been rape victims. Her findings led Shelton to investigate the number of unreported rapes in the United States.
OASIS will record all rapes and assaults reported on this day for new, more accurate statistics. Herman pointed to organizations like the American Cancer Society as an example of what OASIS hopes to become. “At Relay For Life you see hundreds of people standing up and admitting they’ve had cancer, without shame. Rape victims should find that same power in their voice,” she said.
During the week of April 21 to 24, OASIS will host breakfast every morning at the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office. The breakfasts will provide a chance for the two groups to meet and discuss their methods towards achieving their goal. Herman said the Sheriff’s Office continues to play a vital role. “OASIS is very lucky to have the support of our local law enforcement,” she said. “Without them, our task would be much greater.”
Events will continue into May as well. On Saturday, May 3, OASIS will host its annual fundraiser, Midnight at the OASIS. The event will be held from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock. The event will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and the music of Laditude. Tickets cost $30. Proceeds will be used to continue the many OASIS services.
On Thursday and Friday, May 8 and 9, Officer John Guard from the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office and Marie Brody from the NCCADV North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence will give community wide workshops on domestic violence.
Herman said all of these events are designed establish OASIS’ presence in the community. “We want to make the issues of sexual assault and domestic violence real in the minds of citizens,” she said. “We want to give assault and rape victims a voice and the strength to fight back.”
For more information about these events, contact Jennifer Herman at director@oasisinc.org or 828-264-1532.
Want to go?
What: Child Abuse Prevention Training
Date: Wednesday, April 23
Time: 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Watauga County Library
Cost: Free
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