April 2013
April 1 - The Invisible War
Grafton-Stovall Theatre
From Oscar®-and Emmy®-nominated filmmaker Kirby Dick comes The Invisible War, a groundbreaking
investigative documentary about one of America's most shameful and best
kept secrets: the epidemic of rape within the U.S. military.
The film paints a startling picture of the extent of the problem - today, a female soldier in combat zones is more likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than killed by enemy fire. The Department of Defense estimates there were a staggering 22,800 violent sex crimes in the military in 2011. 20% of all active-duty female soldiers are sexually assaulted. Female soldiers aged 18 to 21 accounted for more than half of the victims.
Focusing on the powerfully emotional stories of rape victims, The Invisible War is a moving indictment of the systemic cover-up of military sex crimes, chronicling the women's struggles to rebuild their lives and fight for justice. It also features hard-hitting interviews with high-ranking military officials and members of Congress that reveal the perfect storm of conditions that exist for rape in the military, its long-hidden history, and what can be done to bring about much-needed change.
At the core of the film are often heart-rending interviews with the rape survivors themselves - people like Kori Cioca, who was beaten and raped by her supervisor in the U.S. Coast Guard; Ariana Klay, a Marine who served in Iraq before being raped by a senior officer and his friend, then threatened with death; and Trina McDonald who was drugged and raped repeatedly by military policemen on her remote Naval station in Adak, Alaska. And it isn't just women; according to one study's estimate, one percent of men in the military - nearly 20,000 men - were reportedly sexually assaulted in 2009.
And while rape victims in the civilian world can turn to an impartial police force and judicial system for help and justice, rape victims in the military must turn to their commanders - a move that is all too often met with foot-dragging at best, and reprisals at worst. Many rape victims find themselves forced to choose between speaking up and keeping their careers. Little wonder that only eight percent of military sexual assault cases are prosecuted.
The Invisible War exposes the epidemic of sexual assault in the military - one of the most under-reported stories of our generation, a story the filmmakers are proud to be breaking to the nation and the world. They hope the film will help lead a national dialogue about the crime of rape perpetrated on the very people who have pledged to protect our country and are gratified to see the film is already making an impact. Since it premiered at Sundance, the film has been circulating through the highest levels of the Pentagon and the administration. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta watched The Invisible War on April 14. Two days later, he directed military commanders to hand over all sexual assault investigations to a higher-ranking colonel. At the same time, Panetta announced that each branch of the armed forces would establish a Special Victims Unit. While these are promising first steps, much more needs to be done.
To that end, The Invisible War is a call for our civilian and military leadership to listen. And to act
April 1 - Clothesline Project
Transitions
4/1 12pm-8pm; 4/2 10am-5:30 pm; 4/3 9am-2pm
The Clothesline Project is a visual display that bears witness to violence against women and men. It is composed of t-shirts decorated to represent a particular person's experience with domestic violence, sexual assault, or sexual victimization. JMU students, faculty, staff, and local community members created all of the t-shirts on display and guests are welcome to create one of their own during the event in private.
Contact Kristin Stephens for more information.
April 2 - Take Back The Night
Grafton-Stovall Theatre
Take Back The Night is an evening dedicated to raising awareness about sexual assault.
- A cappella performance and poetry
- Speaker: Angela Shelton
- Speak-out
- Candlelit march
Take Back the Night is a free event sponsored by the Office of Residence Life and the University Health Center's Student Wellness and Outreach. Contact Sarah Dugan for more information.
April 7 - CARE Step Up For Survivors
Commons and the Quad
Campus Assault ResponsE (CARE) is sponsoring an event to empower survivors, both primary and secondary, of sexual assault, abuse, and rape.
This is a gender and sexual orientation inclusive event and everyone is welcome. More
information to come. Share this event on Facebook.
April 13 - Relay for Life of JMU
Hillside Field (Taylor Hall - TDU)
Relay For Life at JMU is a year-long fundraising effort that benefits the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life celebrates the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.
Relay For Life is an overnight relay-style event where teams of people camp out around a track. Members of each team take turns walking around the track for the duration of the event. Food, games, and activities provide entertainment and fundraising opportunities. It is a family-friendly environment for the entire community. Because it's a relay, you're not required to be there the entire time... but it's so fun you'll probably find it hard to leave!
Your reasons for walking in the Relay For Life are as unique and special as the story that motivates you. This is your opportunity to not only honor cancer survivors and remember people we have lost, but also to raise funds and awareness to help save lives. Because of your support, we are creating a world where cancer can't claim another year of anyone's life. You are helping create a world with less cancer and more birthdays!
For more information visit jmurelay.org, follow Relay for Life of JMU on Facebook and Twitter, or email jmurelay@gmail.com.
April 16 - Nancy Donoval
Grafton-Stovall Theatre
Nancy Donoval is a
speaker, storyteller, and survivor of sexual assault. This talented,
professional storyteller aims to bring both awareness and healing to
college campuses. Witty,
fearless and open-hearted, Nancy Donoval's work invites audiences to
reconnect with stories, large and small, in their own lives. Not only does she have 25 years of experience, she
also holds the title of National Story Slam champ. She will speak from
personal experience as well as touch on our very own culture at JMU.
This event is hosted by JMU's C.A.R.E. (Campus Assault ResponsE). RSVP and share the event on Facebook.
April 24 - Bone Marrow Registry Drive
Transitions
Sponsored by Lambda Phi Epsilon, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and the University Health Center. More info coming soon!
