By Genesis Rodriguez
One in four college students will be the victim of sexual assault. This widespread college topic is a serious matter and notable sexual assault survivor. Bonny Shade, is doing everything she can to raise awareness to this deeply rooted issue.
On Dec. 6, FIU has invited Shade to our campus to speak on her views regarding sexual assault, rape culture and healing. Hosted by the Panhellenic Council and It’s On Us, members of the FIU community will join Shade in SASC 160 at 7 p.m.
Bonny Shade was sexually assaulted in college by a close friend and it took a span of seven years for her to come out and speak on her story. She now runs a sexual assault risk educational empowerment program on university campuses all over the country.
The program consists of her personal journey overcoming an acquaintance based assault. As an audience member, you will expect to explore two to three scenarios intended to intervene a sexual assault on campus grounds and reduce rape culture.
Shade is sure to emphasize other topics regarding assault like gender norms, social norming and the importance of consent. She also speaks on her Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and wants others who feel like they must live scared to know that it is okay to be speak up for their own truth.
Jake Burns, the Co-Chair of the DSA (Division of Student Affairs) It’s On Us Committee explained why they chose Shade as the speaker.
After the TKE incident, the It’s On Us Committee wanted a male speaker who could speak to men about positive masculinity, consent, and other topics. However, due to budgeting the panhellenic council decided Shade would be the notable speaker.
Burns said Shade has an abundance of skill when it comes to public speaking on this important matter since she has a first hand experience.
“[Bonny Shade] is confident that the event will be impactful and well done,” said Burns.
The program runs for an hour via an informative keynote. Audiences tailored to the program include, but are not limited to sorority life, orientation, first-year experience, sexual assault training, women’s empowerment and residence life.
Burns mentions that the program is for everyone in the FIU community.
“Familiarizing ourselves with this type of content is necessary to keep ourselves safe and support our peers/students,” said Burns.
He goes on further to speak on the behalf of the greek organizations on campus and his concern on their appearance at the event.
“Male-identifying students—especially those affiliated with Greek organizations at FIU—should be attending. Not just because of the TKE situation or the negative stigma associated with fraternities, but because it is an opportunity for them to hear a woman’s perspective on sexual assault,” said Burns.
Shade works on educating using her powerful message on sexual assault, rape culture in modern society, and recovery.
“I want our community to recognize that people of all gender identities and sexual orientations can be perpetrators and victims of sexual assault; that it can happen to anyone at any time regardless of what they wear, what they drink, or who they are with,” said Burns on what It’s On Us expects from FIU students, faculty, and staff after the event.
While It’s On Us does not specifically aid first hand in sexual violence based counseling, they should consider going to the Victim Empowerment Program (VEP) in the Student Health Center (SHC).
“VEP offers professional, free and confidential assistance to members of the FIU community who have experienced violence or just need some additional support” replied Burns.
Burns confirms that It’s On Us will be hosting many educational opportunities for students next semester to continue expanding their understanding of issues related to interpersonal violence.
Just Another Assault is a free event and you may get the chance to win some giveaways.
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