Providence, R.I.--Providence College will present its annual Project S.A.V.E. (Sexual Assault and Violence Education) program from March 1-5 on campus.

The event, which is coordinated by the Office of Residence Life and supported by numerous campus services and departments, student groups, and outside agencies, is designed to educate the College community about the prevention of sexual assault and violence against women.

In July 2006, College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. '80 approved a new sexual assault policy that included the appointment of a sexual assault response coordinator, the establishment of a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), and the revision of disciplinary procedures.

The schedule for Project S.A.V.E. 2009 is:

Sunday, March 1

• Mile Run at 12:00 p.m. - St. Dominic Chapel
  Individuals will compete by running an on-campus mile, with prizes awarded to the top male and female finishers. Partial proceeds will benefit the Sojourner House.
• Healthy Relationship Resource Fair from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. - Campus Ministry Center, Chapel Basement
  The fair will offer information and resources from numerous groups including SART, Sojourner House, STEP 1, Women Will, the Office of Safety and Security, the Personal Counseling Center, Day ONE, and the Women's Center of Rhode Island.
• S.A.V.E. Week Cookout - from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. - Outside St. Dominic Chapel (Rain: Chapel Basement)
  The cookout for the entire campus community will feature the "Silent Witness" installation-a collection of life-size silhouettes of domestic violence and sexual assault victims. The "Clothesline Project," an installation and display of T-shirts from victims of sexual assault, also will be on display.
• Celebration of Mass at 10:30 p.m. - St. Dominic Chapel
  Rev. Joseph J. Guido, O.P., vice president for mission and ministry, will be the principal celebrant and homilist at a Mass remembering the victims of sexual and domestic violence.

Monday, March 2

• Self-Defense Workshops from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. (males) and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (females) - Peterson Recreation Center Field House
  Deputy Chief Paul Shanley of the Brown University Department of Public Safety will lead a hands-on self-defense class where participants will learn practical self-defense techniques.
• The Yellow Dress at 8:00 p.m. - John Bowab Studio Theatre, Smith Center for the Arts
  This one-woman play about dating violence and sexual assault is produced by Deanna's Fund, an organization committed to promoting healthy relationships through educational programs. A general discussion will follow the performance.

Tuesday, March 3

• Meet S.A.R.T. at 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. - Raymond Dining Hall
  Take a few moments to meet with members of Providence College's Sexual Assault Response Team (S.A.R.T.).
• "1 in 4" at 7:00 p.m. - Slavin Center G01 (Soft Lounge) or Aquinas Hall Lounge
  "1 in 4" is a group of Rhode Island College male students who work with males in the area of sexual assault and violence education. The group specifically strives to educate and train males on how to speak to women who have been raped or assaulted. One in four college-aged women has been raped or survived rape since her 14th birthday, forming the foundation of the group's methodology, as well as its name. This event is open to males only.

Wednesday, March 4

• "Take Back the Night" at 7:00 p.m. - Slavin Center '64 Hall
  Sponsored by Women Will, this event features statistics and an open microphone session that allows victims and friends to come forward to share their experiences. Resources and advocates from the Personal Counseling Center and the Office of the Chaplain will be available on-site.

Thursday, March 5

• "Backlash" at 5:30 p.m. - McPhail's, Slavin Center
  How did date rape shift from a "shockingly frequent… outrage," as Newsweek once called it, to a controversy over "crying rape," as New York magazine later labeled it? This question will be explored in the documentary, Backlash. The documentary will be followed by a guided conversation facilitated by Kendra Marasco of the Department of Social Work.

Weeklong Events

• "Clothesline Project"
  An installation and display of T-shirts from victims of sexual assault.
• Silent Witness
  A collection of life-size silhouettes of domestic violence and sexual assault victims.
• Pledges to End Sexual Violence
  Students, faculty, and staff will be asked to sign a pledge to join hands in support of efforts to end sexual violence. The pledge will be available at all Project S.A.V.E. events and will be on display at various campus locations, including residence halls.

For more information about Project S.A.V.E., visit www.pcsaveweek.com.

- Joe Miller '10

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