As students, we have more power than we think. When we work together, it is almost impossible to ignore or stop us. If you have never been a part of student activism, here is your chance. Student Counseling Services here at Illinois State has began a movement that focuses on speaking out against sexual assault.
S.O.S. is commonly known as a signal for distress but for the Student Counseling Services’ movement, it stands for survivors and their undeniable strength. Sharing Our Silence (S.O.S.) is an outlet for individuals who have been affected by sexual assault to anonymously tell their story. These stories can be about their own experience with sexual assault or how someone else’s experience has affected them. Ultimately, some stories will be published in a collection, which will be distributed for free on campus. Other stories will be posted on the Student Counseling Services website. Â
Speaking out against sexual assault is important on many levels. It is not only therapeutic for the brave individual sharing but it also empowering. Additionally, sharing your story reminds readers who have been directly affected that they are not alone. It can also bring awareness to students on campus that have never encountered sexual assault. When individuals have a platform to speak out against sexual violence it becomes a community issue rather than survivors suffering in silence. Raising your voice with others on campus is simple and anonymous. Â
Two-way stories can submitted through Survey Monkey and at the on-campus location. There will be a drop box at The Bone Student Center information desk as well as the Student Counseling Service front desk. Although the Survey Monkey requires a university UID, there are safeguards in place that will keep the identity of individuals private. Student Counseling Services offers free support services if writing your story triggers emotional reactions. There are a number of ways to receive free help through Student Counseling Services.
Richard Evans said it best, “it is often in the darkest skies that we see the brightest stars.” Sharing your story may help more people than you could imagine, including yourself.