The University of Toledo will join colleges across the country for Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, on Centennial Mall.

RAINN Day is held every year to raise awareness and educate students about sexual violence on college campuses. RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.

An umbrella decorating competition is held among student groups, residence halls and other organizations on campus. Groups are encouraged to decorate an umbrella with positive messages in support of sexual assault survivors.

RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline and works to carry out programs to prevent sexual assault, help victims and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

This is UT’s fourth year hosting RAINN Day with the Clothesline Project, a visual display that bears witness to violence against women. T-shirts are created by victims, survivors and their families as part of their healing process.

Those who wish to make a shirt are invited to contact the Sexual Assault Education and Protection Program, which will provide materials, a private room to decorate and a counselor or advocate to talk to if the person wishes.

“RAINN Day is meant to empower students and other members of the community,” said Lena Salpietro, graduate assistant for the Sexual Assault Education and Protection Program. “It assists in efforts to raise awareness and educates others about the important issues of rape, sexual assault, incest and other acts sexual violence on college campuses.”

“It is important for the voices of those who have been silenced to be heard, and RAINN Day, paired with the UT Clothesline Project, allows for survivors and victims to be heard, as well as empowers students to take action,” Salpietro said.

Media Coverage
NBC 24 (September 14, 2016)
13 ABC (September 14, 2016)