MCTC Participates in Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAM). Maysville Community & Technical College (MCTC) is among the organizations encouraging students, faculty and staff to participate in SAAM. 

MCTC has been steadily working toward the goal of reducing interpersonal violence by partnering with the Women’s Crisis Center of Maysville to implement the Green Dot program, a national initiative that trains individuals to become active bystanders by using the metaphor of “red dots” and “green dots” on a map of reported incidents.  

A red dot is any act of sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, or stalking, whereas a green dot is any action that can be taken to stop red dots from happening. The program focuses on realistic choices to promote safety for the entire college community. 

Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice in 2019, the college has also been able to take prevention a step further by expanding the Green Dot Program on their campuses. Sixteen employees attended a virtual Green Dot Certification training in October of 2020 and MCTC now has a growing number of approved Green Dot facilitators who are able to provide training to fellow employees and students. 

“Working with MCTC faculty and staff has been inspiring,” says Janel Miller, Project Coordinator. “They are taking action by encouraging their colleagues to attend trainings. Those attending trainings are asking for ways they can become involved too.” 

Three faculty/staff trainings have already been conducted in 2021 and four more are scheduled. Once faculty and staff sessions are completed, trainings will be available to students as well. Beginning Fall 2021, all students starting class at MCTC will receive the training. 

In addition to implementing prevention strategies, the grant has also enabled the college to employ Victim’s Advocates to assist students. 

“The Victim’s Advocates connect survivors with resources,” Miller explains. “They can assist in filing protective orders and accessing legal options, provide education counseling, hold support groups, and many more support services.” 

Activities planned during SAAM to help raise awareness and show support for survivors include: Wear Teal Day April 6, Green Dot Day April 15, Chalk the Walk April 21, and Denim Day April 28. 

For more information about Green Dot and how you can become involved, contact Janel Miller at jmiller0216@kctcs.edu or 606-759-7141 ext. 66272.