The Woymn’s Center, Project Woman and Student Involvement hosted a screening of the Netflix documentary, “Audrie and Daisy,” followed by a panel that featured the cast this past week.
The documentary highlighted sexual assualt victims Audrie Pott and Daisy Coleman, but also shared similar stories of other girls, like Ella Fairon and Jada Smith.
The first story the film presented was Pott who was sexually assaulted by a group of men, while she was intoxicated, who then took pictures of her exposed body.
After all the hateful comments she received on social media, she committed suicide.
Coleman, who experienced the same kind of trauma, was also intoxicated and assaulted while she was unconscious, then dropped off in front of her house, face down in her yard.
After the documentary, the cast from the movie, Coleman, Farion and Smith presented on a organization they helped form called Safe BAE. The organization was created for students to set up campaigns to talk about sexual assault, consent and harassment in a safe space.
The women also discussed Title IX rights, the survivor love letter and another campaign called “Quit this Shit.”
The presentation was followed by a Q&A with the cast.
During the Q&A, the women discussed how the assault has affected them intimately. Farion expanded on her experience with relationships.
“After my assualt, I thought I was trash, so I dated trashy guys,” Farion said. “Now I’m in a healthy relationship.”
One of the audience members asked the women how they are handling social media now if they receive negative comments.
“I’m trying to use social media as something positive and not listen to the trolls,” Coleman said. “The block button is my best friend.”
Smith was asked by an audience member who her biggest support system has been and she replied her family.
Hannah Brown, ‘19, peer advocate for the Woymn’s Center, explained her thoughts on the event.
“The part that really struck me was that these young women have gone through so much and could have easily given up,” Brown said. “But now they go around the country spreading awareness. Their strengths and effort to do this kind of work is empowering and inspiring.”
Seneca Neal, ’20, called the event very enlightening. They were such brave ladies to tell their stories.”
Brooke Wagner, a sociology professor who coordinated the event, gave some advice to help offer support.
“If you’re unsure how to offer support, remember it begins with listening, believing, empowering and deconstructing rape culture,” Wagner said.
The ladies were so thankful to come to Wittenberg and they hope to encourage survivors to seek support like they did. For more information on Safe BAE, go to Safebae.org and to sign the pledge to stop internet harassment, go to quitthisshit.org.
