BHSU and SD Mines team up to eliminate sexual violence

SD Mines and Black Hills State University are teaming up to promote the "Not Here Not Anywhere" sexual violence awareness and prevention campaign facilitated by Black Hills State at this Saturday's football game between the two rivals.

SD Mines and Black Hills State University are teaming up to promote the "Not Here Not Anywhere" sexual violence awareness and prevention campaign facilitated by Black Hills State at this Saturday's football game between the two rivals.

Teal-color awareness ribbons will adorn fans, players, and coaches at Saturday's game. These ribbons signify a unified stance against sexual violence and a support for victims. The campaign kick-off also includes a special half-time presentation by BHSU President Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., and SD Mines Interim President Dr. Jan Puszynski.

"We are committed to creating an environment where sexual violence in any form is unacceptable and survivors are supported. This campaign aims to fundamentally shift the way we think about sexual violence by inspiring everyone to see it is our responsibility to do something, big or small, to prevent it," said Jackson.

The "Not Here Not Anywhere" campaign concentrates on the elimination of sexual violence via awareness building and bystander interventions. Bystander intervention can be an effective way of stopping sexual assault before it happens, as bystanders play a key role in preventing, discouraging, and/or intervening when an act of violence has the potential to occur. Current research on preventing campus sexual violence shows wide-ranging, population-based strategies like bystander intervention-which address individual, community, campus, and societal factors-have the greatest potential to effect positive and meaningful change.

"At the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, we are committed to ensuring a quality learning environment where students, faculty and staff feel respected and safe. Programming reflects a commitment to raising awareness about sexual harassment and promoting healthy relationships, as well as the realization we all have a role to play in preventing sexual assault," stated Puszynski.

The campaign seeks to engage college students and all members of the campus community in preventing sexual violence in the first place. The campaign is launched in partnership with High Country Coca Cola, Northern Hills Sexual Response Team, along with student leadership from the Black Hills State University Title IX program and Athletics.

"There is great interest--national and local--on the topic of sexual violence, and people are eager to learn more about what they can do to prevent it," BHSU Title IX Administrator Michael Isaacson said. "This campaign aims to engage everyone within the campus community--including students, administrators, professors, parents, and community members--to energize action and to help all of us see the roles we can play in eliminating sexual violence."

Mines Athletic Director Joel Lueken added, "Sexual violence prevention is priority for our athletic department. It's our job in athletics to lead this charge on our campuses and we stand ready to do so."

The football game kicks off at noon at Lyle Hare Stadium, BHSU, in Spearfish.