New resource center for victims of sexual assault opens today

By Fritz Klug

News Editor

A new service through the Office of Health Promotion and Education at Sindecuse Health Center will provide a place for students who have been directly or indirectly affected by sexual assault or bias incidents.

Bias incidents are negative words or actions against someone because of their race, gender, or sexual orientation, according to Dave Jones, coordinator of Fighting Ignorance and Rape through Education (FIRE!).

Not quite counseling, “The FIRE Place” will be a student run recourse center that offers information on where survivors of assault and bias incidents can go and review the options they have to seek a resolution. 

“A lot of women on campus need a place like this,” Jones said. 

Jones said that while there may be a wait to schedule an appointment with a counselor, the student volunteers will be available for peer support Monday through Thursdays, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Jones said that students relate better to other students.

The FIRE Place will offer other services, like supplies for healing art projects and couches for a “chill” environment, Jones said.

“There is a real power when students come together,” Jones said. 

The FIRE Place is located in room 3130 of Sindecuse Health Center and is having its grand opening today from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Short URL: http://www.westernherald.com/?p=12025

Posted by heraldstaff on Nov 15 2009. Filed under Campus, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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