Discussion recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month
PHOENIXVILLE » Chester County Fund for Women and Girls, the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County and Colonial Theatre welcomed 64 community members for a free documentary film screening and panel discussion of “The Hunting Ground” Wednesday, April 18, in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The documentary explores the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses, current lack of accountability for perpetrators and universities and the persistent need to provide resources and broad-based support for victims of sexual assault and violence.
The panel of local experts spoke on the importance of bystander training and intervention for community members, fellow students and college faculty, as well as the need to increase accountability for perpetrators and those in power and to create “communities of protection rather than communities of risk.”
The audience was particularly engaged during the questionand-answer period with panelists, raising questions about how to best educate current and prospective college students on potential risks, what parents can do to support their children and what questions to ask of colleges and universities on campus visits to ensure there is strong institutional support for students impacted by sexual violence.
“During the film, I could hear audience members reacting to the stories and statistics they were hearing,” said Christine Zaccarelli, CEO of the CVCCC. “This was also apparent during the panel discussion as some voiced frustration with university policies and procedures that were depicted, as well as heartbreak for survivors of sexual assault. It was great that so many community members came out to watch the film and engage in meaningful discussion afterwards. These types of collaborations work toward making a difference in the Chester County community, and we are very grateful to CCFWG and The Colonial Theater for their partnership and support.”
For local resources for victims of sexual assault, reach out to the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County Inc. at any time through its 24-hour monitored hotline at 610-692-7273.