VSU to Present It Happened Here Oct. 13

VALDOSTA – Valdosta State University will present “It Happened Here” at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, in the University Center Cypress Room. The event is sponsored by the Office of Health Promotions and the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP) Task Force.

“It Happened Here” is a documentary that explores sexual assault on campuses through the personal testimonies of five survivors who transform their experiences into a springboard for change.

“Sexual assault on college campuses has come to the forefront of both academic and political discussion,” said Dr. Bobbie Ticknor, assistant professor of criminal justice in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice and VSU RSVP Task Force chairwoman. “Several studies, including one just released last month, find that nearly one-in-four female undergraduate students experience sexual misconduct or a sexual assault. Furthermore, less than a third of even the most serious offenses are reported. Many students are unaware of how to report a sexual assault or what rights they might have.”

The event will begin with a brief presentation on the topic of sexual assault on college campuses, followed by the documentary and a question-and-answer/discussion session on VSU’s policy on reporting sexual assault.

“Sexual assault on the VSU campus is taken very seriously,” shared Ticknor. “We hope that screening this film will encourage awareness of the problem and to inform students about how campuses across the nation are evolving to address sexual victimization.”

VSU faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend. Admission is free of charge. Popcorn and drinks will be served. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the evening.

Contact Dr. Bobbie Ticknor at bbticknor@valdosta.edu or (229) 249-4975 or Chelsea Wells Holcombe, health educator in the Office of Health Promotions, at cwells@valdosta.edu or (229) 245-3896.

On the Web:

http://www.valdosta.edu/student/rsvp/
http://www.valdosta.edu/student/student-services/counseling-center/health-promotions/

Valdosta State University’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports VSU’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities.

The story above demonstrates VSU's commitment to meeting the following goals:

Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and graduate a quality, diverse student population and prepare students for roles as leaders in a global society.

Goal 3: Promote student, employee, alumni, retiree, and community engagement in our mission.

Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/planning/strategic-plan.php to learn more.