On Sept. 20, various organizations gathered at Brigham Square for Light up the Night, a back-to-school event designed to support survivors of sexual and domestic violence and raise awareness of available resources.
The organizations included The Refuge, BYU Title IX, Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Saprea, Wasatch Forensic Nurses, and UVU Equity and Title IX. The organizations' goal was to spread awareness that survivors are not alone, and that support is available.
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network — an anti-sexual violence organization — women in college, ages 18-24, are three times more likely to experience sexual assault. However, only 20% of those incidents are reported to law enforcement.
Ashley Davis, a sexual assault victims advocate for The Refuge, offered additional insights.
“There is a term, it's called the 'red zone,' and what that means is that between the months of August and November, college campuses see 50% of sexual assaults occur during those months," Davis said. "So, I think it’s really important to raise that awareness and let students know that services are available to them if they become victims. There are people who believe them and who will help them.”
As night fell, light was shed on the resources available for sexual assault and domestic abuse survivors. Booths were set up around the square with representatives from each organization answering questions.
Presley Fallowfield, an attendee and residential assistant for BYU, shared her thoughts.
“I think it’s a really good event. I’m actually a resident assistant, so it’s really important to know about these resources, not only for ourselves, but for the girls in our halls,” Fallowfield said.
Alyssa Green, a sexual assault services intern for The Refuge, reflected on the event.
“It means a lot to me," Green said. "I'm a survivor of sexual assault, and helping people know that there are others who understand what they’re going through, as well as making them aware of available resources, is a huge deal. There are people who experience terrible things that make them feel completely alone, but there are so many resources and people willing to help immediately.”
Aymee Torres, a full-time bilingual victim advocate for The Refuge, emphasized why hosting events like these on college campuses is essential.
“The crime is happening," Torres said. "Unfortunately, this is something that occurs a lot, and we just want the community to know that there are resources for them, that people believe victims, and that we’re here to help in any way we can.”
The Refuge has a 24/7 hotline available for anyone who experiences sexual assault or domestic violence. The Refuge connects individuals with the resources they need.
Torres added, “We have a hospital response, a crisis line, therapy, support groups, and everything is free.”
