School Based youth services and Warren County’s DASACC (Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center) the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) of Warren Hills joined forces to host a showcase called “Introduction to Sexual Assault” in early May in the library.

Melissa Servedio, a counselor from School Based and Matthew Hardy of DASACC explained factors and misconceptions of sexual assault and what consent really means.

“Yes, and only yes, means yes,” said Hardy regarding consent.

Both Hardy and Servedio emphasized the fact that all individuals making decisions in regard to sex or sexual activities must be awake, sober and providing ongoing consent.

Although the most common demographic of sexual assault victims is women aged 18-24, Hardy said individuals of all genders, ethnicities and socioeconomic statuses can experience sexual assault.

Isabelle Hyson, a member of GSA, cited a study done by the University of Michigan that showed only 3.6 percent of students report sexual assault.

“Every experience is valid,” said Hardy, in encouraging the audience to expand their thinking on what constitutes sexual assault.

Hardy also said victims respond and cope differently to sexual assault. Many victims even experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Signs that an individual has been sexually assaulted include disassociation, re-experiencing the trauma, sleeping disorders, substance abuse and self-harm.

“We as a society blame victims for being sexually assaulted,” said Hardy. “[But] because we created it, we have to speak out against.”

Servedio agreed.

“We have the resources to break the barriers,” she said,” and start the conversation.”