By James Matheson
The event “Crafts & Cookies” kicked off Sexual Assault Awareness Month at the University of Maryland. For two hours, students were given the space to make bracelets, color and paint as vessels of healing, discussion and unwinding in Studio A in the Stamp Student Union on Friday.
Students hunched over six-foot plastic banquet tables covered in dehydrated paint of all colors as they expressed themselves through various arts and crafts in Studio A in the Stamp Student Union on Friday. Wide assortments of cookies and other treats were also available to assist in the process.
“I feel like a creative outlet is always good for mental health. In terms of this event I think it’s a really good way to do something that’s a positive and relaxing thing around a topic that can be triggering,” said Grace Hayes, a senior economics major.
The event was hosted by the Sexual Assault Prevention Committee, which consists of various offices across the university. The committee acts as a coalition to combat and spread awareness to the violence that is sexual assault.
The CARE to Stop Violence and Civil Rights and Sexual misconduct offices were present at Crafts & Cookies to engage with students and provide an enhanced sense of welcoming.
“If we can draw awareness to these issues and help students know how to access resources, we can help our survivors on campus feel more comfortable either seeking out resources, or just feel like they’re less alone and that their campus is acknowledging them,” said Grace Fansler Boudreau, coordinator for outreach and assessment in the CARE to Stop Violence office.
CARE to Stop Violence serves as a confidential advocacy resource for students on campus and survivors of sexual and relationship violence, according to Fansler Boudreau.
“I feel heard, the school does a lot,” said Hayes.
Giving students the opportunity to come and go from a simple space like the canvas-lined, paint-splattered art studio where they colored in phrases like “prevention is possible,” and “I ask for consent,” allowed them to focus on these messages and their own experiences as they pondered what Crayola pencil would best match.
“It [this event] means people coming together and being able to socialize and share their story. I think that’s really important,” said Anderson Wanteu, a junior communications major.
Featured Image: Crafts & Cookies provided coloring sheets with messages relating to sexual assault awareness month on March 31, 2023. Photo by James Matheson.