Tables and volunteers encircled Library Mall Wednesday for Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment's Sexual Assault Day of Action.
According to PAVE member Kari Mickelson, the main objective of the event was to promote awareness and collect pledges encouraging sexual assault awareness.
""We're just trying to get as many people as we can to sign these little pledges saying that they'll do whatever they can to stop sexual violence, and ... get the word out and get people motivated,"" she said.
In addition to handing out pledges, table workers offered sexual assault awareness ribbons, informational pamphlets and free condoms.
Representatives from groups including Sex Out Loud, Rape Crisis Center, Students for Social Welfare and Campus Women's Center showed up to show their support.
""I think it's a wonderful event,"" Michele Totoni, member of Students for Social Welfare, said. ""I do know people who have experienced sexual assault, so when you know somebody ... it makes all of this a little bit more personal to you.""
Recommendations for students interested in becoming more involved included attending one of Sexual Assault Awareness Month's featured events, donating time or money to the Rape Crisis Center and supporting sexual assault victims and allies.
Society and Politics Committee table worker Megan Sallomi said sexual assault awareness is an issue all students should take part in.
""I think that [Sexual Assault Day of Action] has significance for everyone because, whether or not you know it, we probably all know someone who's been affected by it,"" Sallomi said. ""It's a big part of our society and it doesn't get as much attention as it should get.""
According to Kelly Anderson, director of the Dane County Rape Crisis Center, coordinators of this month's events have been ""thrilled"" with the campus' student initiative thus far.
Students interested in more information about future Sexual Assault Awareness Month events can visit www.danecountyrcc.org.
