Have you found yourself in a situation you know isn’t a good one? In fact, it’s turning out to be a bad experience completely. You feel the fear pounding in your chest. You hear the fear throbbing in your ears. You’re aware that time is running out. You look around for a way to escape, an exit, but there is none. You’re trapped. You have nowhere to go.

What takes place next will forever change your life. You may be lucky if the physical scars soon fade but you know within your being that the emotional scars will last a long time. Those scars on the inside of you will be open and burning with shame for years to come.

You’ve had too much to drink. You feel numb but yet are aware of what is going on. You decided to get high. People will think you’re a slut for being in the situation you’re in. They’ll say that it’s your fault. Shame begins to slither its way into your heart.

Hands. You feel hands all over your body. You try to escape the unwanted pawing and prodding to no avail. You are helpless.

You are being raped.

Rape is about power and control. Rape is not about sex. Every 90 seconds a woman is assaulted in this country. Men too are reporting being assaulted. Many times when a person is assaulted they will remain silent suffering in shame and guilt.

According to “Men Can Stop Rape”, an awareness group out of Washington DC, “Rape is a choice men make to use sex as a weapon for power and control. Every time a man’s voice joins those of women in speaking out against rape, the world becomes safer for us all.”

A new program will begin at MSSU March 29th. Flash Point Awareness is an awareness group dedicated to empower all about rape, power, control, choices, domestic violence, and more. This is a student lead organization.

We hope to be able to create a higher awareness of domestic violence, provide support for anyone who has experienced this form of abuse, provide current resources on domestic violence and it’s affects, and to create an awareness of domestic violence for the communities represented at our campus

Maybe you’re asking, “What can I do to help stop rape and domestic violence?”

Be aware of the language used in relating to women. Many of the words used in society today sends a message to others that we do not regard women as fully human. Speak up. If you hear about a rape, be a supportive listener. Join FPA. Get involved. Decide to make a difference in someone’s life. Help make a positive change. Be part of a stimulating organization.

Flash Point Awareness will meet for an orgazational meeting March 29th, 3:00pm Room 311 in Billingsly. Dr. K. Yocum, Communications, is our advisor. If you have any questions please feel free to respond to this letter or email me,at: [email protected]

Pamela CorkleBGS