The United States Justice Department released a report in the fall of 2014 that said about 20 percent of all sexual assaults on college campuses go unreported. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and numerous organizations from across the country are taking this opportunity to promote the cause. Oswego State has a large part in promoting the prevention of assault as well.

All SUNY schools operate under Title IX code, which prevents discrimination of any kind based on gender. Its principles are the framework for gender equality in the United States, something Oswego takes very seriously.

After an assault, victims commonly have trouble with everyday things such as concentration, sleeping and doing homework. Title IX provides benefits such as assistance with mental and physical health, which involves counseling and medical care.

Lisa Evaneski, Oswego State’s Title IX coordinator, hosts prevention education workshops, training sessions for Services to Aid Families (SAF) advocates and Peer Educators, case management and writing compliance reports for state and federal agencies.

SAF is Oswego County’s domestic violence and sexual assault prevention program. Oswego State has had connections with SAF for many years and the New York State legislature wanted more student access to advocates on campus.

Kelsey Gillett, Oswego State’s SAF advocate, offers any of SAF’s free and confidential services at her office in 125 Walker Health Center. SAF works with the Title IX office to provide all of its counseling and other support services. Advocates are available 24/7 to assist victims of sexual assault at Oswego Hospital.

Gillett also works with Evaneski to host training and education sessions that take place in classrooms and residence halls. Any student organization that participates in anti-sexual assault advocacy also receives training in the multiple workshops that take place throughout the semester. These workshops focus on educating students about the effects of domestic violence and consensual sex, among many others.

Evaneski also played a major role in localizing the It’s On Us campaign, bringing it to Oswego State under the name “It’s On Oz.” The campaign was originally started by the Obama Administration in 2014 to put a stop to sexual assaults on college campuses. It has since been converted into a nonprofit organization that encourages everyone to take an online pledge to stop sexual assault.

“We have participated in it for six semesters and have encouraged students and employees to take the pledge and get a shirt,” Evaneski said. The pledge encourages participants to stand up against sexual assault, be an active bystander, et cetera.

With regard to Oswego’s chapter of the campaign, Gillett gave the details about “It’s On Oz,” outlining what makes Oswego State’s campaign unique.

“At SUNY Oswego, this campaign was localized through hard work of Lisa Evaneski, the Title IX Coordinator, as ‘It’s On Oz,’” Gillett said. “There is a strong social media presence at SUNY Oswego including It’s On Oz on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Laker Life. Students can follow for updates, info on events and more.”

Oswego State’s student involvement in the movement is also very strong. Organizations such as Two and a Half, Team One Love and the Women’s Center each do their part in holding special events to promote assault awareness.

“Two and a Half is a sexual assault awareness and prevention student organization which holds educational meetings weekly,” Gillett said. “They are also responsible for large annual events like Take Back the Night and Raise Your Voice.”

Team One Love focuses on dating violence and other forms of violence, inspired by The One Love Foundation, which was founded in 2010.

All of these organizations offer different forms of support to sexual assault victims, but they all emphasize some common points. Being an “active bystander” means speaking up about assault when it is seen. Active bystanders also model healthy lifestyles and promote good habits in relationships.

Holding assault perpetrators accountable for rape and assault is another point Gillett promotes at SAF. It is never the victim’s fault, she said, and she believes that bystanders can do a lot in the promotion of consensual sex and healthy relationships.

“Believe survivors when they disclose abuse,” Gillett said. “When a friend tells you he or she was sexually assaulted, let the only question you ask be ‘How can I help?’”

When someone is assaulted, there are many options available to victims in reporting it. Confidentiality is always key, Gillett said, and calling the SAF crisis hotline provides that. Going through the Title IX office and reporting incidents to Evaneski is another option. From there, a meeting with Evaneski herself, an SAF advocate or New York State Police is normally held. Any perpetrators found guilty of sexual crimes will be subject to full punishment under the law.

To any victims that have been silent about their situation, Gillett offers a message of encouragement to seeking help.

“If you have been assaulted, please know that we believe you and it is not your fault,” Gillett said. “There are many resources that will help you confidentially and privately with whatever you need and want in your journey to healing. You are not alone.”