Concert raises awareness of sexual assault, kicks off week

Students who passed David Lawrence Hall Friday night might have noticed something vastly… Students who passed David Lawrence Hall Friday night might have noticed something vastly different from the usual PowerPoint slideshow going on inside.

Local bands Zen Brigade, Tripshot and Euphonic Brew rocked the lecture hall during “Rock Against Rape,” a concert that kicked off Pitt’s Sexual Assault Awareness Week.

Placed at the beginning of April, which is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the week is used as an opportunity to educate students about sexual assault and its prevention.

Mary Koch-Ruiz, Pitt’s sexual assault coordinator, designated this week when she first came to work for the University in 1994. Each year Pitt’s Sexual Assault Services researches various activities for the week.

When a former intern brought it to Ruiz’s attention that this “Rock Against Rape” concert was gaining popularity at many colleges and universities, Ruiz decided to try it at Pitt.

“I want people to realize that sexual assault does take place,” Ruiz said. “At Pitt, we’re really trying to take a proactive stance.”

More than one student at Pitt agrees with her.

On Friday, students of both genders filtered into the lobby of David Lawrence, where T-shirt-designing tables, refreshments and pamphlets were available to them.

“We’re aware that it’s a really difficult issue to get people to come out and support,” said Carrie Antonioli, a senior intern with Pitt’s Sexual Assault Services.

Door prizes were given away between sets, and many people came and left at their own leisure.

Neil Straub, a Pitt junior, said that he was just passing by the lecture hall when the event caught his attention.

Straub said that it would be great to see a bigger turnout, but he was happy that the quality of support at the event made up for quantity.

“It’s more important for people who care to participate,” he said.

Bethany Berkstresser, a senior at Pitt and the lead singer for Zen Brigade, helped Ruiz book bands.

Berkstresser said that she was excited to play in a live concert and didn’t mind the small crowd.

“It’s nice to raise sexual assault awareness,” Berkstresser said. “Combine that with music, you can’t go wrong there.”

She said that playing in David Lawrence Hall was different from the atmosphere in bars, where people are drinking and are able to get into the music by dancing. She hoped that many people who attended just for the music walked away taking some knowledge with them.

“I had no idea there was a Sexual Assault Awareness Month,” Berkstresser admitted. “So hopefully that raises awareness for people who came just for the music.”

Activities are continuing throughout the week. There was a showing of the movie “Bully” on Monday night. There’s a play tonight and a self-defense seminar on Thursday. All events take place at 8 p.m. in the William Pitt Union.

Ruiz said that, for the most part, students have responded well to the week, and she hopes that students will become educated on this issue.

“I hope that students who have been sexually assaulted on campus gain an awareness that they are not alone,” Ruiz said.