photo by Emily Kovacic
Nevada Color, a band made up of former and current students, preformed at Break the Silence Against Sexual Violence Awareness Concert April 9.
On April 9, Lawrence Hall Ballroom was home to ringing guitars, pounding drums, applauding fans, free food and multiple student and local organizations at the first Break the Silence Against Sexual Violence Awareness Concert.
“We wanted to plan a fun event that students would enjoy while also raising awareness,” said Elizabeth Rosemeyer, Assistant Director for Title IX at Point Park.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Rosemeyer said she hopes to have an annual event to help support the cause in the future.
“People seem to think it’s a problem that only happens to others,” said Rosemeyer.
This year’s event was made possible with the help of several student organizations, including the Campus Activities Board (CAB), HerCampus, SAEM, Alcohol and Other Drugs Education as well as Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR).
Sexual violence is a term that can describe almost any act of sexual assault; it is not strictly limited to physical contact. It can also describe verbal or implied sexual encounters.
“Getting support is not easy, but it is necessary,” said Andrew Bock, coordinator of Student Conduct.
The free concert event was headlined by local indie rock band Donora. Nevada Color, a band made up of former and current Point Park students, opened the show.
“We always enjoy playing in the area,” said Casey Hanner, guitarist and singer for Donora, after the performance. “Getting the awareness out is important and having a conversation is a great way to start.”
While the bands played, students and other attendees roamed the room, surveying the variety of student and local organization’s booths, which contained items ranging from pens and stickers to popcorn and cotton-candy. Attendees were given a free T-shirt with their Point Park ID.
HerCampus’ booth gave out teal ribbons, representing the color of sexual violence awareness and support.
“It’s about spreading the message and giving people a voice,” said Haleigh Kopinski, Co-Campus Correspondent for HerCampus.com. “A lot of people are embarrassed because of how rape culture is addressed today, but it’s still an issue.”
Kopinski said that being a correspondent for HerCampus has helped her portray the stories of other victims on campus. HerCampus.com has a section dedicated to helping victims of sexual assault and bringing awareness to the subject. She said she’d like to become an advocate for victims who need someone to turn to.
The event started with some opening remarks from Point Park President Paul Hennigan.
“Each of us has a role in preventing sexual violence,” Hennigan said in his opening speech, “As a University, let us choose not to be bystanders.”
photo by Emily Yount
Donora was the headliner for Break the Silence Against Sexual Violence Awareness Concert April 9.
photo by Emily Yount
Donora is a local indie band starring the sibling duo Jake and Casey Hanner.
photo by Emily Kovacic
Nevada Color is a local band made up or former students Quinn Wirth, Max Kovalchuk, Chris Cichra and Jeremy Westhead along with current SAEM senior Adam Valen played that the Break the Silence Against Sexual Violence Awareness Concert on April 9.
