The term “sexual assault” is what we might refer to as an umbrella term, as sexual assault is a spectrum of sorts. Sexual assault is a difficult topic to approach; however, it is nowhere near as difficult as experiencing sexual assault and then talking about it. In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we are shedding light on the matter with campus resources, events, and other avenues to seek help. Community College of Denver, the Auraria Campus, and the city of Denver have people and resources to help students whenever they’re ready. 

The United States Department of Justice  defines sexual assault as “any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by Federal, tribal, or state law, including when the victim lacks the capacity to consent.” 

The statistics are overwhelming in America, with 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men have experienced an attempted/completed rape as a child or adult, according to  LegalJobs.io. “Rape and other forms of sexual assault occur every 68 seconds in the United States,” according to  Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network Organization (RAINN). 

Our bodies and our health are more than statistics, though. The effects of sexual assault are not just physical; they also take a toll on one’s mental health. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PSTD), various degrees of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse are only a  few psychological effects  a victim may develop. 

Recourses on the Auraria campus include 291 emergency phones and  The Phoenix Center of Auraria  (PCA), where staff members that are educated in this field are dedicated to helping students who have been through a traumatic experience. PCA provides free, confidential, comprehensive services to all students, staff, and faculty, and Violence Prevention Education that covers topics from bystander prevention to healthy relationships. Regardless of one’s sexual orientation or sexual violence experience, PCA employees are there and able to assist everyone.  

Katherine Miller, Director of The Phoenix Center, touched on the aftercare for a victim. “Violence also frequently impacts survivors’ access to education, and we work to help students complete their degree and continue to achieve their goals. We make sure that preventing violence is always part of the conversation because silence is what allows violence to prevail.” 

In Denver, there are several organizations to assist sexual assault victims, one of them being  The Blue Bench. Established in 1983, the organization aims to eliminate sexual assault. This month, they are holding an art show titled ‘Rise,’ where survivors showcase their work. The exhibition runs until April 23 at The Lab on Santa Fe.   

Throughout this month, the Auraria Campus is hosting events to engage with students in a healthy, productive way. 

Consent Turns Me On  

When? April 20 from 11:30 to 3:00 p.m. 

Where? Tivoli Turnhalle Rm 250 

Denim Day Photo Booth 

When? April 26 from 10 to 2:00 p.m. 

Where? Lawrence Street Mall (in front of Plaza building) 

Gender Based Violence Panel 

When? April 26 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. 

Where? The Carter Center 

Masculinities Panel 

When? April 27 from Noon to 2:00 p.m. 

Where? Zoom. 

The Phoenix Center 24/7 Free Confidential Hotline: 303-556-2255 

CCD Counseling Center: 303-352-6436 

Auraria Crisis Hotline: 303-615-9911 

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 

CCD Counseling Center Forms: 

Discrimination & Harassment Reporting  

Incident Reporting  

Student Complaint  

Community College of Denver is committed to making our campus a safe place for all to learn and enjoy, regardless of gender, religion, race, background, or political affiliation.