The Student Government Association (SGA) hosted an event on Tuesday regarding sexual assault and how to prevent it, as part of its annual “It’s On Us Week.” Several students and faculty showed up to learn about ways to put an end to sexual assault. 

The Tuscaloosa Safe Center, Women and Gender Resource Center and the University of Alabama Police Department are some of the groups that had representatives speak during a panel about how students, faculty and staff can keep campus sexual assault free.

A majority of the Women and Gender Resource Center’s clients were referred by a friend. The WGRC is a confidential resource, where counselors work with visitors on a 1-to-1 basis. The WGRC does not only extend to women, but to all genders. 

The medical and forensics team at the Tuscaloosa Safe Center aims to help all ages and genders. The Tuscaloosa Safe Center recommends a visit before the first 72 hours have passed after the sexual assault. This will facilitate the nurses and other staff members to help treat any injuries caused. 

The Tuscaloosa Safe Center has various options available to visitors. The nurses check patients from head to toe and offer police involvement. The Safe Center can also provide emergency contraception such as morning after pills. 

UAPD’s role is to gather enough information to figure out where, when and what happened in the case of a sexual assault. They are also in charge of contacting the Homicide and Violent Crimes Units. 

Representatives from every organization present wanted audience members to know that they should not be scared to seek help – they are here to help anyone at a moment’s notice.

You can learn a little more about It’s On Us Week below:

Who is hosting the events? The Student Government Association (SGA)is hosting several events throughout the week of Sept. 30 to raise awareness about sexual assault resources on campus:

Monday, Sept. 30 

Tabling: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Ferguson Student Center

Percentage Day: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Cheese Louise Food Truck

Tuesday, Oct. 1

Venmo Fundraiser: All Day

Let’s Taco-bout Consent: 7 p.m.-8 p.m., Ferguson Student Center

Wednesday, Oct. 2

Showing off the Bystander Moment: 6:30 p.m., Heritage Room at the Ferguson Student Center

Thursday Oct. 3

Bystander Training: 1 p.m.-2 p.m., Ferguson Student Center Room 3104

Friday Oct. 4

Sign the Pledge and Chalk Walk: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Ferguson Student Center

Why should you attend? “SGA is proud to participate in the It’s On Us initiative each year in order to shed light on ending sexual assault,” said program director Josh Britt. “We believe that we can accomplish this important goal by working together as a campus. SGA encourages all members of the campus community to participate in our events throughout the week, including a showing of the Bystander Movement, bystander training and signing the It’s On Us pledge.”