The Sexual Assault Program (SAP) at Michigan State University recently hosted the 11th Annual Teal Ribbon Award and Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, honoring faculty member Rebecca Campbell and the MSU Museum for their leadership and commitment to creating awareness around sexual violence in the campus community.
The teal ribbon is the international symbol that represents sexual assault awareness and is worn at MSU to support survivors of sexual assault. The Teal Ribbon Awards were established in 2008 and take place annually during April which is Sexual Assault Awareness month.
“This event shines a light on individuals and campus units who are positively impacting survivors and the culture at MSU,” said Tana Fedewa, director of the Sexual Assault Program. It also gives us the opportunity to recognize our incredible Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Volunteers who provide resources and crisis intervention services to survivors and members of our community around the clock.
She explained that each nomination was reviewed by a selection committee and chosen based on leadership and collaboration on the campus and in the Lansing community.
Campbell, who holds a doctorate in community psychology, was selected for her service as the chair of MSU Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Expert Advisory Workgroup, where she has played an integral role in improving policy, prevention and response to sexual assault at MSU.
“Dr. Campbell has been really crucial in moving the university forward during a time of crisis,” Fedewa said. “She uses her privilege and expertise to lift up survivor voices and experiences.”
The MSU Museum staff were recognized for creating a speaker series and museum exhibit, “Finding our Voice: Sister Survivors Speak”. Last year the MSU Museum staff assisted survivors and co-survivors in preserving teal ribbons placed on trees around campus last fall commemorating survivors. Mark Auslander, MSU Museum director, was there to accept the award on behalf of the exhibition team.
The SAP believes in the strength and resiliency of all people impacted by sexual violence and stands with survivors against all forms of social injustice by promoting individual healing and building an empowered, inclusive community. Their team of program therapists and crisis counselors provide individual and group therapy services to student survivors of sexual assault, exploitation and harassment. The Advocates provide institutional, criminal justice, academic, and personal advocacy services to survivors. The MSU Sexual Assault Program offers crisis intervention through a 24-hour hotline 517-372-6666 and a crisis chat available from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. seven days a week.
You can learn more about the Sexual Assault Program at endrape.msu.edu .