By LISA DIMAIO
On Jan. 19, lunchtime in the cafeteria at Cranston East had a party-like atmosphere with
the help of local radio station 92PRO FM. The event, called "Your voice, your view," was a collaborative effort with the radio station, Fox Providence and Day One to bring awareness and motivate teens to get involved with the issue
of sexual violence.
"As soon as you say, 'No,' anything from [that point on] is considered assault," said 17-year-old Monica Silvia of Project Respect – a group of students that promote respect between students. "No
means no."
Out of the 12 schools across the state participating in the "Your voice, your view" program, three high schools were chosen at random to have a street team of prevention educators and television and radio
personalities come to their school to drum up an interest in the issue and hold a contest to create a broadcast commercial.
"They listen to the radio but kids talking to kids is more effective," said prevention educator Hilary Jones.
All of the students are encouraged to submit creative ideas and dialogue and the professionals at the radio
and television stations will assist in the production.
"It's a fun way of letting people know about sexual abuse and assault," said 17-year-old Anthony Mam.
Mam along with the barbershop quartet, "Top
Row," are in the process of creating a song for the contest. Their message will project the male perspective that is not often discussed when speaking about sexual violence.
"Boys do care and have feelings about other people," said Mam.
"Sometimes guys feel like they are the problem. This is an opportunity for guys to step up and really show they are good role models and to put males in a
positive light," said prevention educator Sandra Malone.
"Our goal is to try to get more men involved in prevention of sexual violence," said Jones, adding, "and disclaiming myths like if a girl wears a short skirt
she's asking for it."
Project Respect and school social worker Vicki LeCroix was instrumental in getting the word out prior to the kickoff event by hosting a workshop in the school for those interested in getting
involved.
"We're trying to get everyone to have their voice," said Silva. "We talk about different types of sexual assault … we like to keep them informed that it's everywhere, in comments and in gestures."
Silvia said one idea for a commercial was presented during the workshop that involved a girl talking on the phone to her girlfriend. During the conversation, the girl described her date from the previous night with a
boy. The girlfriend at the other end realized while listening that her friend was a victim of date rape and didn't even realize it.
"I just want to make a difference," said 15-year-old Ashley Addison, who worked on the ad.
The winning ads will air in as a 60-second spot on 92 Pro Fm/Hot 106 and a 30-second television spot. Both will air in April,
which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Day One's mission is to reduce sexual abuse and violence and to support those affected by it. Established in 1973, Day One is the only agency in Rhode Island organized
specifically to deal with sexual assault as a community concern. For more information, visit www.dayoneri.org.
