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OU Offers Women’s Center Services
By: Samantha Ripkin
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We typically don’t think that bad things happen close to our surroundings.
This is not always the case but unfortunately, things like sexual abuse, sexual assault, and gender issues occur.
In 2007, the Women’s Center opened at Ohio University, and the organization seeks to help people who in need of support and guidance.
Although the name can be deceiving, all ages, genders, and races are welcome at the center located in Baker.
One of the biggest events of the year was held Thursday, at the Scripps Amphitheater.
“Take Back the Night” was put on by the Women’s Center to raise awareness about sexual abuse.
Similar weeklong events took place among many other campuses across the nation.
Each year the Women’s Center hosts events such as Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, International Women’s Day and mentoring programs.
Recently, the center helped start the Survivor Advocacy Program.
“The mission of SAP is to provide confidential advocacy, education, and resources to everybody on campus. We want to create a safe campus for everybody,” said SAP Graduate Assistant Simone Savannah.
Rides are provided to and from hospitals if a person has been sexually assaulted or needs counseling and psychological support.
This service is open to the public 24/7 and is available at 740-597-SAFE (7233).
The campus provides many outlets for individuals seeking guidance for gender related issues.
A graduate assistant for the center, Elizabeth Chinn, spoke of the many defining and differentiating qualities of the center.
“They offer a library of over 500 texts and magazines related to gender issues, feminism, advocacy, and LGBT rights, it’s a really great place for students to come in a conduct research, it’s also a great place for organizations to come in and use this space,” said Chinn.
Throughout the year countless events are held such as self defense courses; stalking awareness, brown bag lunches, guidance for gender issues and special screenings.
Awareness and advocacy are the top concerns of the Women’s Center.
The Women’s Center has more information about gender related issues and upcoming events on their site at www.ohio.edu/womenscenter/.