Hello men and women of Ohio University, my name is Maria Behnke. I’m a student in the Philosophy department, a college instructor and the current Graduate Student Senate Commissioner of Women’s Affairs.
I’m a daughter, a sister, a friend, a future mother and I also happen to be an important statistic — one you always hear about, and hope you never become — I’m the “1 in 4 college women” affected by sexual violence.
As an undergraduate, I was raped by a stranger who held me prisoner for 16 hours before I was rescued and able to contact my family. I was terrified for my life, but I survived. The man was a convicted felon, but as my rapist, he was never brought to justice. The ordeal changed my life, and it has made me stronger. I promised myself I’d find the courage to share my story and raise awareness for sexual violence prevention.
September is Sexual Assault Awareness Month at OU, and I feel there is no better time to share my goals as Commissioner of Women’s Affairs. I hope to inspire a more proactive and diverse community, and I believe education and advocacy are the most powerful avenues to promote progress on our campus.
I’m appealing to all my fellow community members — friends, faculty, staff, colleagues, classmates, students — to get involved this month and continue to stay involved throughout the year. Attend events, volunteer, engage in discussion and continually increase your awareness of what you can do to promote sexual violence prevention every day.
This quarter, I am more excited than ever. My commission has a new page on Facebook: Graduate Student Senate Women’s Affairs at Ohio University. Check it out, “like” it and spread the word.
In support of the Women’s Center Survivor Advocacy Program, GSS is proud to help co-sponsor “Men Can Stop Rape” training with Alex Leslie of The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center. Special thanks to all the organizations that have worked together as sponsors to make the MCSR event possible. My commission will be hosting an exciting fundraiser for the event, my largest personal project to date. Join us at Buffalo Wild Wings for an evening of fun and prizes, while supporting a great cause.
The Women’s Center and Thomas Raabe are working incredibly hard to make their Fourth Annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event on Oct. 1 a huge success. I‘m excited to help them continue to spread the word, and to get more men to march and women to support.
I hope to see many familiar faces and meet even more new ones. Please contact me (mb742205@ohiou.edu) with any comments or questions — and remember you may find more information and a full list of events on my commission’s Facebook page.
I look forward to hearing from you. Now get up, get involved and stand together to end sexual violence.
Maria Behnke is a graduate student studying philosophy and political science with a certificate in Women’s and Gender studies and the Graduate Student Senate Commissioner of Women’s Affairs.
