Yoga helps comfort sexual assault survivors, Zumbathon


SAPA hosted self-care yoga and a Zumbathon to show solidarity to survivors


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Iron Mountain graduate student Alexis Truscott participates in yoga to support self care on Oct. 13 in Kulhavi Room 145.

There are days where Allison Tobey forgets she’s a person. Constantly thinking of her sexual assault makes her question her worth.

That’s why in the middle of yoga, Tobey was hit by a feeling she said she couldn’t describe at first. It took her instructor repeating “you are important” to recognize the feeling — empowerment.
Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates hosted a self-care yoga event Oct. 13 in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The group also hosted a Zumbathon Oct. 15 to demonstrate solidarity to those affected by sexual aggression.
“To hear those words — that I mattered — and to be in a safe space and just realize that I was breathing was just amazing,” Tobey said. “I was so relaxed during that session and I carried that feeling with me, even when I left.”

SAPA is a student organization that provides counseling, legal advocacy and support for survivors. The advocates receive more than 50 hours of training.

Every minute, 20 people become victims of domestic violence, according to SAPA. The problem is often ignored on college campuses because domestic violence is assumed to occur between older couples, said Holland senior Lindsey Trusty, SAPA member and event coordinator.

More than 50 people attended the Zumbathon, held in the Mathematics Assistance Center room of the Student Activity Center. A silent auction was held on the side as participants danced in the center of the room. Proceeds go toward SAPA services.

"These events help raise awareness that (Domestic Abuse) happening and is a problem. One in three women and one in four men are survivors of domestic abuse,” Trusty said. “(At the event) we give resources and the opportunity to help. We address signs to look for to help students know what to look for and what to do."

Petoskey senior Spencer Goodrich, the event’s Zumba instructor and a SAPA member, said the turnout exceeded expectations.
It was Goodrich's debut as a Zumba instructor after becoming certified last spring.
"It went really well. I was a little embarrassed because I didn't have anything set in stone,” Goodrich said. “Some of my moves were too complex, so I had to break it down slower. (The event) couldn't have gone better."

SAPA will be holding a live artistic performance with a speak out for survivors of sexual aggression as a form of solidarity at 7 p.m. Oct. 26 at in University Rotunda.

SAPA has a 24-hour available hotline for survivors at (989) 774-2255.

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