Kyra D. Freeman, the 113th Miss Florida A&M University, partnered with Warriors Against Rape (W.A.R.) to host a panel to discuss the importance of sexual assault awareness on college campuses.
Freeman believes her personal sexual assault experience made her a stronger and powerful person and wants to encourage victims to seek further assistance at their school or university counseling center.
“I want other sexual assault victims to be able to overcome their experience in a healthier, more positive way,” Freeman said.
The Title IX office is a service available on many college campuses, including FAMU. The office helps students who are dealing with sexual assault experiences.
Director of Equal Opportunity Programs, Carrie Gavin, emphasized the importance of saying and understanding the word “no’.
“How do we reconcile what the two of us think is consent,” Gavin said. Gavin continued saying “start at a very young age by stating no is the answer.”
Freeman shared her experience with sexual assault. Through this event, she wanted to motivate sexual assault victims to share their stories and inform young women of sexual assault.
Antoneia Roe, director of student conduct, shared the rate of sexual assault experiences and coming out stories.
“The total amount of women that have spoken out about their sexual assault stories has increased over the last five years,” Roe said. “10.6 percent of women experience forced sex.”
Aiyanna Ishmael believed the event was both successful and influential.
“This event was very successful because sexual assaults are not recognized as an issue by most universities,” Ishmael stated.