View From The Hill - (3/5/09)

College-aged students are four times more likely than anyone else to be the victim of a sexual assault.
That's why WKU is leading the way in raising awareness for sexual assault awareness month.
Amy Bingham has more in this week's View from the Hill.

Events are planned throughout March to bring attention to an on-going problem-sexual violence.
A shocking one of of three females and one out of six males will be the victim of some sort of sexual assault.

"With these statistics as startling as they are, it's inevitable that we all know someone who'se been a victim of sexual assault and who'se been affected by sexual assault."

WKU's Sexual Assault Services Coordinator Elizabeth Mohon says it's time to take a stand against sexual violence.
Her office, along with Hope Harbor, organized proclamations for all ten counties in their service area, including one signed on campus by WKU President Dr. Gary Ransdell.

"Western being a leading education university thoughout the state...with him signing it's letting people know that we are aware this goes on in our community and we are not going to tolerate sexual violence on our campus."

Melody Mayes is a graduate student from Frankfort who is doing an internship at WKU's Counseling and Testing Center.
She's helping implement the sexual assault awareness activities.

"The topic itself interested me when I worked with Big Brothers,
Big Sisters after my undergraduate degree...a lot of children experience that one point in their life and that impacted me greatly."

That impact is what motivates Melody to continue to be an advocate.

"You can see that you are doing positive things...that's really rewarding."

Melody agrees finding a cause is a way we can all give back to the community.

"Anyone, everyone should have a cause they are passionate about, this one happens to be my passion but every agency can use the help."

The awareness activities culminate Thursday, March 26th at 6 pm with the "Take Back the Night" March and Rally at the Warren County Justice Center.

With this week's View from the Hill, I'm Amy Bingham.