On the third day of Knitivism's sexual assault awareness week, the student organization known for peacefully defending human rights hosted a "write-out" at the HUB-Robeson Center.
Students wrote responses to "How do you define sexual assault?" on a large sheet of paper, which will be displayed in the Women's Studies Department, 133 Willard Building.
Knitivism President Sarah O'Donald said her group scheduled the sexual assault awareness week right before Halloween because it's a busy time for parties -- and ultimately sexual assaults.
Previous events this week included a "Knit-in" on Monday and a film about sexual harassment on Tuesday.
Some responses written on the paper defined sexual assault as "unwanted advances, verbal or physical, that are deemed sexual in nature," or -- more simply --something that is "never OK."
Mae Sevick, one of many students who expressed their thoughts, defined sexual assault as a situation in which "consent is not or cannot be given." She said she was alarmed by the increasing reports of sexual assaults this semester.
"I don't know if my personal signing will make a difference, but the opportunity to sign will make a difference," Sevick said. "Activities that bring awareness are essential."
Knitivism has previously participated in the University Park Undergraduate Association's march in September and "Campus Night Out" in October.
Though it may appear there have been more incidents of sexual assault as of late, both O'Donald and Knitivism Vice President Farnaz Farhi said they believe more people are coming forward to report the crime.
Farhi, who is also a counselor advocate at the Centre County Women's Resource Center, 140 W. Nittany Ave., said there needs to be more of an open dialogue about sexual assault among college students to ensure victims are not fearful about contacting the police.
"You don't know if you should be happy or sad," Farhi said, referring to when a victim chooses to report a sexual assault. "We want people to start thinking about this. We want to show solidarity among our campus."
