Michigan Tech and Copper Shores met on campus to spread awareness of sexual assault. At the start of a new school year, the university talks with incoming students about sexual assault and rape on college campuses.
We’re able to give back to the community. We’re making bracelets so any victim of sexual assault is getting some kind of fidget tool, right? It’s very intimidating when you go in to have these conversations. And according to research, August to November is a red zone for sexual assault on college campuses. So whether it’s a big campus or a little campus or a medium campus, I think it’s just good to bring out awareness, give the students language, and let them know where there are resources to get help. And just kind of go from there. And so I think partnering with Copper Shores has been successful the last few years. – Dawn Corwin, Prevention Coordinator, Michigan Technological University
While talking with Copper Shores victim advocate Rachel Lampa and Michigan tech prevention coordinator Dawn Corwin some made beaded bracelets for victims of sexual assault in the area. Lampa says that it’s important for survivors in the local area to feel supported. And even though the bracelets are something small, they can help remind victims some people care about their experience.
They don’t know if anybody’s going to believe them. And we’re able to give them resources. And then on top of that, for me as an advocate, I wanna do whatever I can do at the moment to make sure that they feel valued and cared about. And so the bracelets are just one added thing to my toolbox that I can pull out and say. Hey, we have this ready for you. This is something that we do for our survivors and our community. – Rachel Lampa, Victim Advocate Coordinator, Copper Shores Victim Support
The bracelets created by Michigan Tech students will be given to victims the Copper Shores Victim Advocacy Center works with. Students in need of sexual assault counseling resources are encouraged to contact the Center for Student Health and Well-Being, find more information related to the campus here. Those interested in learning more about the Copper Shores Child Advocacy Center can find more details here.