According the Centers for Disease Control, one in five women and one in 59 men have been raped in their lifetime—and most victims do not disclose sexual violence.

On Thursday, April 16, West Virginia University’s WELLWVU will issue its own call to action against these violent crimes by hosting a panel discussion.

The panel event, “moMENtum: Male Perspectives on Sexual Assault Prevention,” will be held on Thursday, April 16, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Mountaineer Room of the Mountainlair. Moderated by Associate Athletic Director for Sports Performance Joe Heskett, the all-male panel will explore how men can be more involved in sexual assault prevention and education. The event is free and open to the public.

“It’s on all of us – students, faculty, staff and educators – to prevent sexual assault,” said Wesley Thomas, WELLWVU male engagement specialist. “This event will enable the WVU community to come together and openly discuss how the concept of masculinity and the roles of men can serve to reduce sexual assault.

“In order to shift the culture we must engage the entire Mountaineer community,” said Colleen Harshbarger, director or WELLWVU Office of Wellness and Promotion. “This panel is a great opportunity to spark dialogue about male involvement and ownership, shifting the culture and fostering a campus that values safety and respect of everyone.”

For more information on sexual assault prevention or event information, contact Wesley Thomas at wthomas2@mail.wvu.edu or 304.293.3573.

-WVU-

ta/4/10/15

CONTACT: Wesley Thomas, WELLWVU
wthomas2@mail.wvu.edu, 304.293.3573

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