Women Against Violence Protection Program Event

On Wednesday, September 18th, the freshman class of Humanities House had a special event conducted by two facilitators from the Violence Against Women Prevention Program who are dedicated to exploring the discrepancies within societal norms on gender, dating, and most importantly consent, a concept that the workshop works to emphasize with each visit. The freshman went through multiple scenarios displaying typical social interactions and those that are heavily discouraged and listed terms used to disparage people based on their gender. After the class, we had the chance to talk to speak with two VAWPP volunteers, Xingru and Gladi, about the two classes they visited, their opinions on the program and changes they wish to see in the near future.

“I think we should pass on the correct information and change the social structure [regarding gender], that is why I think this workshop is important” says Xingru, when asked about the importance of the workshop, noting that the workshop is even more essential because they are “first year students” who are just learning how to navigate the university with their newfound independence. The current aforementioned social structure is best exemplified in the exercise the volunteers and students contributed to: listing slurs and other derogatory terms thrown at women who are presumed to be opinionated, promiscuous or modest but also noting slurs and terms that aim to characterize men as effeminate, reinforcing notions of toxic masculinity.

When asked about what she wishes to see change within the workshop, Gladi noted that consent, while imperative to the conversation, is not the only worthwhile topic when discussing gender based violence. She stated that she would like to see more conversations centered around “healthy relationships” and “healthy habits” needed to sustain said relationships while also recognizing that there needs to be a conversation on “stalking” and “abuse” as both would allow students to gain a depth in understanding on the “cycle of abuse” Gladi mentioned before, why comments such as “why doesn’t x just leave y?” provide little-to-no contribution to the overarching conversation surrounding gender based violence. Xingru also wished that the workshop highlights the importance of going into these conversations with an open mind, proclaiming that “sexual violence can happen to anyone” and how we should deal with these experiences.

Closing the interview, Xingru and Gladi provide information on how to get involved with the VAWPP and other groups dedicated to combating gender based violence such as the “Body Project”, “The Men’s Project”, “Greeks Against Sexual Assault (GASA)” and more. If interested in becoming a workshop facilitator, you can also enroll in WGSS 3271 for one semester in addition to the meeting held by the groups mentioned before. If there are any more questions, comments or suggestions, the Women’s Center is located on the fourth floor of the Student Union in room 421 or visit their website at www.womenscenter.uconn.edu.