Providence College presented Project S.A.V.E. (Sexual Assault and Violence Education), an annual event designed to educate the College community about a wide range of issues related to preventing sexual assault and violence against women, from April 20-24, 2008 on campus. Several fundraising activities – the “Midnight Mile” and sales of special t-shirts and bracelets – were among the planned programs.  The funds raised during the week will be donated to local agencies directly serving women affected by sexual and domestic violence.

Coordinated by the College’s Office of Residence Life, Project S.A.V.E. is supported by numerous campus services and departments, student groups, and outside agencies. New to this year’s programming was an open forum sponsored by the College’s Sexual Assault Response Team. In July 2006, College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., approved a new Sexual Assault policy which included the appointment of a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator to administer the policy, the establishment of a Sexual Assault Response Team to provide victims with information and support, and the revision of disciplinary procedures.

The Clothesline Project and Silent Witness – two well-known exhibits that reflect the nature of sexual violence and the names of real victims – were on display throughout the week in the Raymond Hall dining facility and at major events sponsored by Project S.A.V.E. Throughout the month of April, members of the campus community – students, faculty, and staff – were also invited to sign a pledge to join hand in support of efforts to end sexual violence here and throughout the globe. Pledges were places display at S.A.V.E. events.

Project S.A.V.E. events included an all-campus cookout, The Midnight Mile, The Yellow Dress performance, healthy relationship resource fair, self defense workshops, “Take Back the Night,” and discussions such as “The Philosophy of Love” and “Pop Culture: Sexual Assault, Who’s at Fault?"