By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Listening to good music or going out to bar shouldn't mean you're setting yourself up to be raped.
Rock Against Rape is an event established as a safe night out that seeks to spread powerful messages about sexual violence.
The free event is set for 7 p.m. to midnight May 3 at the Fort Tavern & Patio Bar, 109 W. Seventh St. Anniston Weber, Options victim advocate and campus outreach coordinator, said the night is designed for those who want to have fun without facing added risks.
"I wanted to create a safe space for people to go out, have a good time, have a drink if they want to and not expect to be sexually assaulted," she said.
The event is inspired by Hays' vibrant music scene and the desire to involve more community members in discussions about sexual violence.
The line up for Rock Against Rape features local and regional artists such as Isekai, Free Minded, Parl, Left in a Ditch and Harbingers.
Options Executive Director Jennifer Hecker said Rock Against Rape is open to everyone, but the goal is to draw young adults who are disproportionately affected.
"Pervasively, college-age students are most likely to experience sexual assault," Hecker said. "We scheduled it right at the end of the year, so it's a great way to blow off some steam."
Options will also have flyers, brochures and staff on-site to promote the nonprofit’s free and confidential services. Advocates will deliver brief messages and share statistics between band sets to reinforce the event’s message.
Alcohol will be served at the event, but measures are in place to ensure safety and responsible drinking. Weber references the Safe Bar training program offered by Options.
"Bartenders take this training and they learn to spot the signs of sexual violence, domestic violence, looking out for people who might be slipping drugs into drinks and how to know if you might be over-serving someone," Weber said.
Options and Jana’s Campaign are pushing to make sexual violence education mandatory for bar owners after a survey showed more than 40% of Ellis County respondents reported having sex while too intoxicated to consent.
Hecker encourages people to refer those in need to services like Options and to speak up if they see inappropriate behavior. She said the event’s biggest goal is to reduce victim blaming.
Weber also suggests directing those in need to resources, but emphasized that the first step is to be supportive when someone shares their experience with sexual violence.
"Believe people when they have expressed that they've been sexually assaulted. ... You might be the only person that they tell," she said.
You can find information about domestic violence and resources for survivors on the National Domestic Violence Hotline website and through Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services.
You can walk into an Options office at 2716 Plaza, Hays, or 1480 W. Fourth, Colby. You can call Options' 24-hour helpline at 1-800-794-4624 or text HOPE to 847411.
You can also follow Options on Facebook.