Pinwheel display kicks off week to recognize victims and survivors of violence and assault

Pinwheels for Prevention, a display of pinwheels along ASU’s History Walk, will kick off a week of activities on Monday, April 11, to recognize victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Each pinwheel represents a substantiated case of child sexual abuse in the state of Georgia during a one-year period. Also, shoes representing the number of reported cases of sexual assault in Georgia in 2004 will be exhibited upon the steps of the Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre.

Each year, a rally and march take place in their honor. The Take Back the Night rally will be held at Augusta State on Thursday, April 14, through the joint effort of University Hospital’s Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services.

“Take Back the Night is designed to raise awareness of violence toward women,” says Dr. Christie Launius, campus coordinator of the event and director of the Women Studies Program. “It’s a space where the community can come together and affirm their commitment to ending violence.”

At 9 a.m. on Monday, the Clothesline Project will also begin. The Clothesline Project will feature hundreds of t-shirts, each representing a survivor of sexual victimization, and it will be strung along the History Walk and the front entrance of campus. Those who plan to attend the rally are encouraged to bring a decorated t-shirt. Supplies will also be available for those who wish to decorate a shirt at the event.

The rally and march on Thursday is the culmination of the week’s events. At 6:30 p.m., the rally will begin, and more than a dozen organizations will offer information for anyone interested in learning more about sexual assault. A t-shirt station will also be set up for anyone who would like to paint a t-shirt. President William A. Bloodworth, Jr., will give opening remarks at 7:30 p.m., followed by other speakers.

“Traditionally, we’ve had people from the District Attorney’s and the Solicitor General’s offices speak, and hopefully we’ll have them again this year,” says Dr. Launius. “We also have survivors who will speak, and the idea is that through publicly sharing their experiences, they will raise awareness. It’s a powerful way for survivors to heal.”

Dr. Launius adds, “This event couldn’t happen the way it does without the people involved and the community support.”

At the end of the rally, participants will light candles and begin a march that will circle the ASU campus.

Volunteers are still needed to help with the event. If you are interested in participating in Take Back the Night or need more information, contact Dr. Launius in the Department of Languages, Literature, and Communications at 737-1500.

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