Every 73 seconds, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted.
To raise awareness for this ongoing crisis and show support for survivors, Kent State’s Center for Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services invites the community to the EmPower Walk on Thursday, Apr. 17. The walk occurs from 4 to 6 p.m. outside DeWeese Health Center.
Participants will take 7,300 steps during the event, symbolizing the frequency of sexual assault in the U.S.
The idea for the event came from a desire to physically demonstrate how often assault happens and to help attendees better understand its impact, said Autumn Jacobs, an intern for the center and one of the event’s organizers.
“We’ll be walking around the blue track across from Eastway,” Jacobs said. “We chose 7,300 steps because it’s a powerful way to show just how frequent these assaults are. This gives people the opportunity to walk in survivors’ shoes and really see how they’re impacted for the rest of their lives.”
The EmPower Walk is open to everyone, not just Kent State students and faculty. The organizers encourage the entire Kent community to join. There is no cost to participate, and registration is available through a QR code on flyers or through a link on the center’s website.
In addition to the walk, attendees can expect free food donated by sponsors, a live DJ, giveaway prizes, goodie bags and a self-defense session. It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes and bring a phone or smartwatch to help track steps, though the walk is estimated to be about 11 laps around the track.
The walk is a reminder of the community’s responsibility to stand against assault, said Jennifer O’Connell, director of the center.
“This is about raising awareness and reminding people that we all have a role to play,” O’Connell said. “Whether it’s being an active bystander or offering support, everyone can do something to prevent harm.”
Jacobs emphasized the importance of making survivors feel seen and heard.
“There are so many stigmas around this issue, like victim-blaming,” she said. “To support survivors, we need to listen without accusing. That’s what this walk is about.”
Jacobs and O’Connell hope the EmPower Walk becomes an annual tradition that helps break the silence and stigma surrounding assault. This year marks both the return since the pandemic and the first time Jacobs and O’Connell have organized it.
“As a community, we need to stand together,” Jacobs said. “There will be people from all walks of life at this event, and helping one another will always be extremely important.”
Cameron Gillen is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].