By: Jenna Beresheim News Editor
Two male former Western Oregon University students were recently convicted of rape and sexual abuse of a female student in 2014.
According to the Statesman Journal, Robert Godeaux Savoy III, 23, was convicted of first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse, and third-degree sexual abuse.
Christopher James Weekly, 23, was convicted of first-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree sexual abuse, and third-degree sexual abuse.
The two-day trial took place in the Polk County Circuit Court before Judge Norman Hill.
Both first degree rape and first degree sodomy are considered Measure 11 offenses, and as such they carry mandatory minimum prison sentences of eight years and four months.
Both Savoy and Weekly are not considered students at Western as of 2014 and are being held in Polk County Jail.
Their official sentencing took place Feb. 11 at 4 p.m. in Polk County Circuit Court.
“In my role, I feel that justice is being served for this victim,” admitted Dr. Mary Ellen Dello Stritto, the Director of Abby’s House on Western’s campus.
“We’re the victim advocates here, it’s a positive outcome,” continued Dello Stritto.
Abby’s House is a resource and referral site on campus that supports individuals in any trouble they are experiencing in their life. Some examples listed were sexual harassment, pregnancy, mental health, stalking, housing, substance abuse, LGBT*Q issues, and more.
There are currently fourteen trained student advocates to respond to crises by supporting an individual, aiding them in considering their options, and allowing them to make educated choices about the next step in handling the issue at hand.
“Our assistant director Andrea Hugmeyer, and myself are confidential advocates who can support a victim without needing to be mandatory reporters,” said Dello Stritto, “that’s something we can offer, whereas our student advocates are still mandatory reporters.”
Abby’s House is a non-discriminatory safe zone for all students that is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the other three days.
“We’re here to support survivors – which means all students, survivors are men as well,” encouraged Dello Stritto.
Another campus support system that works closely with Abby’s House is the Student Health and Counseling Center.
“Our professional staff provides students at WOU with quality primary health care, information, referral services, counseling, and educational services,” said Jaime Silva, Director of the Student Health and Counseling Center.
“In situations of rape and sexual assault, we provide students with compassionate, confidential, and supportive services to help them feel validated and also to help them make informed decisions about their situation,” continued Silva.
The Student Health and Counseling Center is open during school hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers emergency appointments as well as a host of resources and hotlines for support during weekends or closed hours.
“We talk to students about the resources available to them and help them be in as much control of their situation as possible,” said Silva.
One final resource, as means of prevention, can be found in the on-campus club Green Dot.
“A green dot is any behavior, choice, word, or attitude that promotes safety for everyone and communicates utter intolerance for sexual violence, partner violence and stalking,” reports the Green Dot website.
Green Dot offers multiple trainings to aid in prevention of these intolerances, as well as hosting weekly club meetings.
For more information regarding Green Dot, contact club president Dacota Ashwill at dashwill12@mail.wou.edu.
