Valley activists, students talk Oscars sexual assault message

Lady Gaga’s Oscar nominated song “Til It Happens To You” sent chills across the Dolby Theater and to people around the country watching the 88th Annual Academy Awards Sunday night. Dozens of survivors of sexual violence stood beside her with their scars written on their arms.

When Vice President Joe Biden took the stage to introduce Lady Gaga, he promoted the White House initiative It’s On Us to stop sexual assaults on and off college campuses.

“Take the pledge, a pledge that says ‘I will intervene when consent has not and cannot be given.’ Let’s change the culture,” he said.

Winette Brenner, program director for Coachella Valley Sexual Assault Services, said Biden’s message brought attention to the issue.

“That’s huge. That way up to the president and vice president we have support. That’s absolutely amazing,” said Brenner.

Brenner said Lady Gaga’s performance gave victims a voice.

“Being the person she is and in the media she opens doors immediately, when we’re still knocking on doors,” Brenner said.

Anna Stockwell, a counselor at College of the Desert in Palm Desert said the campus promotes zero tolerance. It offers self-defense classes for women and will soon offer the classes to men as well.

“We know one in four women will be sexually assaulted during their college career. That’s something we take very seriously here,” said Stockwell.

Damian Walton, a first year student at COD, said it’s time to take action to protect women and men from sexual assault.

“We’re not doing enough to stop it and prevent it and we need to do more. I’m glad a lot of celebrities are coming out to speak about sexual harassment,” said Walton.

For more information about the It’s On Us initiative, visit www.itsonus.org