The events of the past week have left the student body disgusted, sad, and yearning for change. The Mental Health Committee, Meg Gibbons, and Chris DeMarkey hope to be a part of this change.
As Anselmians, and frankly as people, we were all shocked and disappointed to hear the allegations that a prominent member of our campus had engaged in conduct similar to that of society’s worst. On behalf of the Mental Health Committee and as humans in general we want to make it explicitly clear that there is NEVER a place for sexual harassment, assault or rape on this campus and anywhere else.
Many of us felt powerless after hearing what had transpired. How could this have happened? These allegations charge a member of our community with sexual misconduct towards our peers, our friends and the heartbeat of our school. It is common for survivors of situations like these to be left with severe trauma. Survivors often feel ashamed, embarrassed, and guilty, even though it is never their fault.
This is where the rest of us have to step up and take action. We cannot sit idly by while our fellow students, our friends, or our loved ones are affected by these traumatic events. We have to speak out when we see something wrong, no exception. Whether it’s at a party, in Davison Hall, or anywhere else, there is no place for sexual misconduct on or off campus. We have to support our peers and friends- especially in their time of struggle. Whether it’s as simple as sending a text to check-in, saying hello while walking to class or grabbing a bite to eat, the last thing a person should ever feel is alone. In essence, we should be the people we are supposed to be, the best version of ourselves. We should be Anselmians.
RESOURCES:
IF IT’S AN IMMEDIATE NEED- Reach out to the on-call counselor at 603-641-7000
- 911 if safety is a concern or medical attention is needed.
New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
CONFIDENTIAL 24/7 STATEWIDE NH HELPLINES:
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: 1-866-644-3574
SEXUAL ASSAULT: 1-800-277-5570
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Information and resources regarding sexual violence.
Love Is Respect
1-866-331-9474
TTY 1-866-3318453
Text: loveisto22522
Chat online: http://www.loveisrespect.org
YWCA NH
603-668-2299