By Liz Breed
The National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has reported that 97,000 college students nationwide between the ages 18 and 24 have claimed to be the victims of sexual assault or rape.
Wednesday will be dedicated to awareness and protection.
Alcohol Poisoning and Date Rape Day will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. outside of White Hall Classroom Building.
Students can learn more about what constitutes sexual harassment and how they can avoid it.
“A lot of students don’t realize that alcohol is the number one sexual harassment predatory drug,” Rachel Carnahan, a student affairs officer, said. “That’s why we are holding this day; to allow students to become more aware and be able to protect themselves.”
Carnahan’s mission, along with the Student Wellness Ambassadors, is to protect students.
“Students turn their head to these things so this is dedicated to help students enjoy college but also stay safe,” Carnahan said.
There is no specific day that is dedicated by any organization for these two subjects, Carnahan said.
With popular events like Spring Break and Rush for fraternities and sororities coming up, students may be faced with different situations in which they lack necessary information to care for themselves.
“We have two different cards about each subject for students, which they can take wherever they go,” Carnahan said. “There are things like cookies and T- shirts for everyone, but before they get them, students must choose from four different pledges and choose to be safe.”
Wednesday, students will be provided this necessary information in different ways at Alcohol Poisoning and Date Rape Day.
According to girlshealth.gov, sexual assault can be anything from inappropriate or unwanted touching to verbal slurs.
The website also provides some tips to avoid dangerous activities.
These tips include opening your own drink and not sharing drinks with anyone.
Date rape drugs can go unnoticed when put in drinks and victims may not remember what happens to them while on the drug.
Another drug that affects campuses is alcohol.
Alcohol poisoning can cause things from seizures to hypothermia, according to collegedrinkingprevention.gov.
“Alcohol is the number one sexual harassment predatory drug,” Carnahan said. “Most students don’t realize that it is a drug.”
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