Sexual Assault Services and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Counseling Center… Sexual Assault Services and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Counseling Center sponsored a Play it Safe Fair Tuesday on the William Pitt Union lawn. The fair took place as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Week, in an effort to educate students to make safe decisions both on and off campus.

“It is important to be aware of the dangers that can happen on campus, with alcohol and sex,” said Jamie Dawson, of the Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority Inc., as she passed out candy to students.

“This was extremely important to have, because people aren’t always aware of the dangers of sexual assault,” Erika Strauss, also of Theta Nu Xi, added later. “Freshmen, especially, need to be aware of how much danger there is out there.”

Students were treated to cookies, sodas and music while visiting different booths in the warm spring sunshine. Volunteers also had free T-shirts for students to decorate, and plenty of pens, key chains and flyers.

Though all the free merchandise and cookies created a fun atmosphere, the organizations gathered to bring attention to serious issues. Rape statistics have doubled in Oakland from 2002 to 2003, according to Pitt police.

Various other groups, like Student Health Services, the Pitt Police and Magee Women’s Hospital, also came out to participate in the fair.

“Lots of organizations related to the issue are here to gather awareness of the issue,” said Melissa Patti.