Students learn about staying safe on campus

Anabel Sanchez

Online Editor

 

On Wednesday, Oct. 24, at Broward County South’s Student Life department and Henderson Student Counseling Services held a special meeting regarding student safety.

Narrated by Frank Pallavicini, overviews on relevant topics such as sexual misconduct, reactions to violence and abuse, sexual abuse and identifying abusive relationships were discussed along with students.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, one in five women in college experience some form of sexual assault or abuse. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) reports that 11.2 percent of all students experience rape or sexual assault by way of violence.

With the current climate as it is, being educated on the various forms of abuse and being aware of our rights are two vital keys to galvanizing BC students on becoming well-informed on the issue.

Pallavicini, a licensed counselor since 1992, animated his presentation with slides that were extremely detailed in emphasizing his points.

He thoroughly clarified the definitions of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and consent.

He particularly expounded upon consent as it is something that often tends to be misinterpreted far after the incident in question has occurred, especially when it occurs among college students.

Identifying abusive relationships was also given special attention by Pallavicini, as recognition is crucial to avoiding further potential dangers.

The key signs of isolation, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and economic abuse by the abuser tend to be major indicators of an unhealthy and abusive relationship.

Pallavicini also mentioned that threatening citizenship or residency privileges is also a common tactic used by abusers to control the individual being abused in the relationship.

As a counselor of Henderson Student Counseling Services, Pallavicini has a clear objective.

“We want to be available to students and we want to address their needs from a counseling perspective. We are sensitive to their traumas and to their anxieties.”

BC student and radiology major, Briana Jamison, who attended with her American History class, felt that events like these were needed.

“I felt it was very empowering. I really liked his presentation and it was extremely informative. Everyone should come to one of these seminars.”

According to RAINN, among undergraduate students, 23.1 percent of females and 5.4 percent of males experience some form of sexual assault through physical force.

Therefore, it’s important that BC students are aware of the resources that they can use to their advantage.

With Henderson Student Counseling Services, BC Students have privileges to six free visits with a licensed mental health professional, should they need it.

Established in 1953, Henderson Student Counseling Services offer their counseling services to the students of Broward College, Nova Southeastern University, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine and Palm Beach Regional Medical Campus.

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with Henderson Student Counseling Services or need access to their 24-hour crisis support, please call 954-424-6916.

sancha9@mail.broward.edu

Photo: Frank Pallavicini, a licensed counselor with Henderson Student Couseling Services, discussed dating violence and other topics on Oct. 24. Anabel Sanchez/The Observer

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