By Evelina Ramirez Staff Writer
Abby’s House and Western’s Campus Against Sexual Assault (CASA) invited the Sexual Wellness Advocacy Team (SWAT) from University of Oregon to interact with students and give them insightful information about sexual assault and violence.
The workshop took place Monday, May, 11 in the Werner University Center.
SWAT is a sex-positive program that values all sexual relationships as long as they are healthy.
SWAT organized their presentation in workshops that included a sexual assault’s survivor monologue followed by interactive discussions with other characters involved in the narrative.
They also mentioned how and how not to support a survivor of sexual assault. To help sexual assault survivors, SWAT said that one must believe them, tell them it is not their fault, and lead them to other helpful resources.
Additionally, they provided resources for survivors of sexual assault and a demonstration of healthy and unhealthy communication.
“I like the interactive nature of this workshop because not only do they give the information, but they give the skills and then you actually get to use what you’re learning,” said Mary Ellen Dello Stritto, director of Abby’s House.
Michele De La Cruz, SWAT member and sociology major, said: “Being a survivor myself, who has dealt with a lot of the things that we discussed in the workshop such as slut shaming, I think I am able to add aspects of realism and more depth to it.”
According to their website, swat.uoregon.edu, sexual assault, dating violence, and sex positivity encompasses many other issues, therefore is it not uncommon for SWAT’s workshops to touch on other topics such as: sexism, racism, homophobia, and more.
“What I love about this group is that it’s a serious topic, yet they make it really fun,” Dello Stritto said.
Their moto being “Consent is Sexy,” SWAT reinforced that consent is mandatory regarding any sexual relations.
