Spring Break
Sexual Assault Awareness Week aims to teach men and women
Speakers emphasize the importance of awareness
Whitney Jenkins
Issue date: 9/25/07 Section: News
Debbie began to boldly speak out against rape by telling her story to millions.
"I had to be the voice for those that were not strong enough," Debbie said.
"The movie was very powerful," said James Callaway, freshman recreational therapy major.
"Her struggle, her ability to testify and bring her life back, was the most powerful."
Despite trying circumstances, Debbie has become a crusader with intentions to help rape victims and to prevent others from becoming victims.
"If I let him destroy my life, then he will. I won't let him." Debbie said.
The movie illustrates experiences in which many rape victims have gone through that Debbie has had contact with.
"I have every hope in my heart that they [rape victims] will find their own strength," Debbie said.
"Her story makes me proud to be a girl," said Lauren Ray, freshman international business major. "I want to help with the walk in whatever way I can."
Debbie has also made efforts to prevent rape by contributing to the cause legally.
Debbie's name is attached to the Justice for All Act of 2004, which allows thousands of unexamined rape kits to be processed.
Resources to process rape kits were unavailable before this act. The legislation is signed by President George W. Bush.
"It took four years to pass legislation," said Rob Smith, Debbie's husband. "It was a timeless effort."
Debbie speaks without a fee at conferences all over the United States and Canada, and she is the founder and C.E.O. of H-E-A-R-T, Inc., a non-profit foundation established to aid victims of sexual assault.
"One thing I want people to learn is that one person can make a difference," Debbie said.
There are plenty of ways in which men can be the first to take a stand against offensive behavior towards women.
"When men are in a scenario with jokes or suggestive talks about women, not only do they need to get up and walk out, they need to say something," Rob said.
The issue of rape is not only a woman's concern. The issue begins with men as well. "This is a man and woman's issue that we need to work on [preventing] together," he said.
This writer may be reached at news@theeastcarolinian.com.
"I had to be the voice for those that were not strong enough," Debbie said.
"The movie was very powerful," said James Callaway, freshman recreational therapy major.
"Her struggle, her ability to testify and bring her life back, was the most powerful."
Despite trying circumstances, Debbie has become a crusader with intentions to help rape victims and to prevent others from becoming victims.
"If I let him destroy my life, then he will. I won't let him." Debbie said.
The movie illustrates experiences in which many rape victims have gone through that Debbie has had contact with.
"I have every hope in my heart that they [rape victims] will find their own strength," Debbie said.
"Her story makes me proud to be a girl," said Lauren Ray, freshman international business major. "I want to help with the walk in whatever way I can."
Debbie has also made efforts to prevent rape by contributing to the cause legally.
Debbie's name is attached to the Justice for All Act of 2004, which allows thousands of unexamined rape kits to be processed.
Resources to process rape kits were unavailable before this act. The legislation is signed by President George W. Bush.
"It took four years to pass legislation," said Rob Smith, Debbie's husband. "It was a timeless effort."
Debbie speaks without a fee at conferences all over the United States and Canada, and she is the founder and C.E.O. of H-E-A-R-T, Inc., a non-profit foundation established to aid victims of sexual assault.
"One thing I want people to learn is that one person can make a difference," Debbie said.
There are plenty of ways in which men can be the first to take a stand against offensive behavior towards women.
"When men are in a scenario with jokes or suggestive talks about women, not only do they need to get up and walk out, they need to say something," Rob said.
The issue of rape is not only a woman's concern. The issue begins with men as well. "This is a man and woman's issue that we need to work on [preventing] together," he said.
This writer may be reached at news@theeastcarolinian.com.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 16
Jane Bailey
posted 2/19/09 @ 9:31 AM EST
In biological psychology, awareness comprises a human's or an animal's perception and cognitive reaction to a condition or event. Awareness does not necessarily imply understanding, just an ability to be conscious of, feel or perceive. (Continued…)
Janet Reese
posted 2/28/09 @ 11:08 AM EST
This sounds like a great program and a great way to improve education in our schools!
Maria Ricard
posted 3/07/09 @ 6:45 AM EST
Great article. I agree totally.
Maria Ostridge
posted 3/07/09 @ 12:40 PM EST
Good information. Thanks for the post.
Janet Reese
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Holly Colburn
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Timothea Dhillon
posted 4/19/09 @ 3:35 AM EST
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Hari Stukey
posted 5/22/09 @ 10:26 AM EST
This is a fantastic article! But, either I'm blind, or you son't seem to have much information
Dinse Wissmann
posted 6/20/09 @ 8:43 AM EST
Indeed an informative article.
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