Sexual Assault Awareness Month Readings from the Bentley Library and the Bentley Health Center

Honoring Sexual Assault Awareness Through Literature

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and educate ourselves on the realities of sexual violence. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 1 in 5 women in the US have experienced completed or attempted rape in their lifetimes and nearly 1 in 4 men experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime. These alarming statistics are just a glimpse of the widespread issue, with many more highlighting the urgent need for awareness and action. The Bentley Library has partnered with the Bentley Health Center and the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Educators to create a powerful book display featuring works by accomplished authors like Maya Angelou. These books explore difficult but real issues that impact our campus every day. The collection features a wide variety of books, including memoirs, research studies, fiction, non-fiction, and many other genres. You can find the display in the library lobby or use the online companion to check out the display virtually!

We know that an increase in awareness around the topic of interpersonal violence can bring up challenging feelings for survivors. Remember that the Health Center’s Sexual Assault Resource Specialist, Emily Campia, is available to meet privately with any student to talk about a range of experiences related to sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and/or stalking, regardless of where or when it has occurred. She can help connect you with on- and off-campus resources and plan for your safety and well-being. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 781-891-2222, scheduling online, or emailing ecampia@bentley.edu.

More statistics

Sexual Assault Statistics | National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

Written by Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Educator Taylor White, a Junior Finance Major at Bentley University