Mock Rape Trial 2018
Every couple of years, The Women’s Center, Inc. invites the community into the court room. This event is designed to gain a better understand of the legal side of rape trails. This is the third Mock Rape Trial that has been put on since 2008. Although, the defendant was not convicted in this situation (11-1 for guilty), the event was very helpful in understanding what goes into a rape trial. Here’s a little bit about the case:
The Commonwealth vs. Davis
The Defendant is Michael Davis and the victim is Ashley Williams, both are students at New Columbia University. Williams and Davis were previously in a relationship and trying to make things work the night of the alleged sexual assault. They attend a party and both deny drinking excessively. At the end of the evening, Williams and Davis return to Davis’ apartment. Davis tries to have sex with Williams. Williams states she told Davis to “STOP,” but he ignored her and they engaged in sexual activity. Before Williams left Davis’ apartment they got into an argument over a girl that Davis shared a class with. Consensual Sex or Rape?
The Women’s Center, Inc. would like to thank all the criminal justice professionals and volunteers to make this event successful!
Presiding Trial Judge: The Honorable Judge, Gary E. Norton
Prosecution: District Attorney, Thomas Leipold
Defense: Assistant District Attorney, Daniel P. Lynn
Detective Jessie Young played by: Chief Allen Breach, Locust Township Police Department
Randy Miller (SANE nurse): Played by Bridget Brown
Ashley Williams (victim): Played by Sadie Jordan
Pat Daniels (victim’s roommate): Played by Colleen McCollum
Michael Davie (alleged perpetrator): Played by Jon Shultz
Terry Washington (alleged perpetrator’s roommate): Played by Alexander Eisele
Lee Streams (psychologist): Played by Monica Johnson
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
In the United States, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The goal of this is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to teach communities on how to prevent it. One way The Women’s Center, Inc. has educated the surrounding areas is by embarking on our “Paint the Town Teal” campaign. We go around to businesses in the Columbia/Montour counties asked if we can display sexual assault statistics and/or a teal ribbon to educate the community about how serious a topic this is. Each year, we increase the number of businesses that want to be involved! This year, sororities and fraternities also got involved in the event!
We also took time to add statistics and information about consent to downtown Bloomsburg. The community noticed our efforts showing their support in our local newspaper.
Children’s Fair 2018
Every year our community celebrates the Children’s Fair at the Columbia Mall. Over the years, we’ve had some fun children’s activities that get kids in the community involved as we promote safety and healthy relationships. A few years ago, children may sun catchers. Last year, they made butterflies. This year, they made friendship flowers!
Raise the Region 2018
Walk The Walk, Talk The Talk
This past November, The Bloomsburg University Women’s Resource Center, the LGBTQA Resource Center, and The Women’s Center, Inc. had its first annual “Walk The Walk, Talk The Talk” event! This program was created to show the world that we Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk when it comes to Consent in the Sheets and Dissent in the Streets. This event began with a peaceful march around the Bloomsburg University campus, ending with a discussion on Bystander Prevention presented by The Women’s Center, Inc. All supporters participated in bystander scenarios to help them learn how to speak up against those being affected by gender based violence through intersectional and inclusive methods. The whole evening was a huge success with over one hundred people pledging to Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk.
