By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
A night of live music in downtown Hays aims to do more than entertain, bringing awareness to sexual violence.
Rock Against Rape is an event dedicated to creating a safe environment that seeks to spread awareness and messaging about sexual violence. The event is set for 8 p.m. at Sip ‘N Spin Bar and Grill, 209 W. 10th St.
Options Executive Director Jennifer Hecker said the event was created to reach people who may not attend traditional awareness programs or support groups.
“The purpose is to reach a demographic that we don't normally connect with in our day to day activities, which is college student and young adults," she said. "People who are at a higher risk for sexual violence.”
The lineup of featured local bands includes Refuse to Say Goodbye, Parl, Reprise, Space Ape and the Zach Mars Band. On top of live music, the night will also focus on outreach and education. Hecker said each band performs for about 45 minutes with about 15 minutes in between sets, which is when attendees will learn about sexual assault prevention and statistics.
"The bands will be sharing information and our [host] will be sharing statistics, information on how to get involved with organizations, how to volunteer and how you can contact an advocate if you were in need," she said.
Hecker said the night also highlights community partnerships in Hays, with local bands volunteering to perform and help spread a message. Parl is one of the event’s longest-standing performers, with first-time performers including Space Ape and Reprise.
Alcohol will be served, as Hecker said drinking is intentionally part of the messaging for the night. Venue bouncers and staff will be in place, with Options staff also attending if support is needed.
The event is for 18 and older due to venue rules, with those under 21 receiving marks and are not allowed to drink.
"The purpose of the night is that people should be able to go out, have a good time, drink if they want to and get drunk if they want to and not expect to be sexually assaulted. We developed this tagline over the years, which is alcohol doesn't cause rape, rapists cause rape," Hecker said.
"Victims are often blamed for their vulnerability," Anniston Weber, Options victim advocate and campus outreach coordinator, said. "People ask questions like 'why did you have a drink with this strange person you've never met before?' and that's not what causes sexual assault. It isn't what the victim did. It is what the assailant did."
Hecker said sexual assault is a difficult subject to discuss openly, especially for victims. She said the best thing people can do is offer a listening ear and ask what action the victim wants taken.
"But number one, when someone discloses that they've been sexually assaulted, believe them and help them in a way that they wish to be helped," Hecker said.
Weber said those interested in volunteering and supporting sexual assault victims can reach out to Options for an application.
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.