Vigil remembers assault victims, survivors

About 45 people stood in a silent circle Tuesday night
honoring sexual assault survivors.

The Candlelight Vigil was sponsored by Sexual Assault
Free Environment and the Office of Residence Life.

“We’re all here for each of our own reasons for being
here and getting involved. That shows that sexual
assault affects a number of lives, throughout history
and today,” said S.A.F.E. founder Scotty Dunbar, Elk
Rapids senior.

Although Dunbar gave the attendants the opportunity to
speak, the students chose to remain silent, braving
the cold and the wind.

Among those in attendance was Sexual Assault Services
Director Steve Thompson, physical education and sport
associate professor.

“Thanks to everyone for showing up and for their
support. Sexual assault happens everywhere; CMU is not
immune to it. This helps raise awareness, and
hopefully we’ll turn the corner one day when people
assaulted feel they have support.”

S.A.F.E. is an organization formed this year
throughout the residence halls that is intended to
educate students.

“I think it’s a good way to get students involved in
educating each other,” Dunbar said. “Hopefully, we’ll
be able to make a difference on campus.”

Dunbar said he was pleased with the number of people
who attended the vigil.

“I think it showed a lot of support.”

S.A.F.E. members are coordinating a program about date
rape drugs later this year, but a date has not been
finalized.

They also put together bulletin boards every month for
the residence halls.

For more information about S.A.F.E., e-mail cmusafe@yahoo.com.