On Wednesday, Sep. 25, Chapman Creating a Rape-free Environment for Students (C.A.R.E.S) led a Walk Against Violence, in order to speak out against and shed light on the different forms of violence that occur in the world, and on campus. 

C.A.R.E.S. is a group of students who are committed to raising awareness regarding rape and sexual assault and they are led by Dr. Dani Smith, Chapman’s coordinator and rape crisis counselor.

Last Wednesday, the group orchestrated a Walk Against Violence, where Smith, along with a large group of students, walked from the Atallah Piazza to the Old Towne Orange Plaza. 

Smith, who is also Chapman’s director of Proactive Education Encouraging Responsibility (PEER) and health education, shared the ultimate goals of the walk and what C.A.R.E.S. wants to bring awareness to. 

“The walk was to highlight and touch on all types of violence — alcohol abuse, substance abuse, bullying, sexual assault, relationship abuse, partner abuse and hazing. It's a step moving towards changing the culture and creating a culture of support and respect,” Smith said. 

Additionally, she added how the event has changed over time in order to encompass all aspects of harm, not just violence against women. 

“We have really expanded the scope because so many people have been wounded by these things. It begins with awareness. It used to be ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,’ which was an event where men put on high heels and walked to the circle speaking out about violence against women,” said Smith. “People change little by little, the walk is the beginning, its awareness. I think we had a good showing, people coming from several different groups, Greek life, sports, public safety, different clubs, all different communities.”

Dr. Smith also wanted to add her appreciation for the support that the event received. 

“I appreciate the buy-in by so many people at Chapman University that helped,” said Smith.

C.A.R.E.S. member Kelly Henley, a sophomore double major in accounting and business administration, shared her thoughts on the importance of the event. 

“It's a really important and great opening event for C.A.R.E.S. because it gives a look into what we care about,” added Henley. “The next event is the clothesline project, which is a very deep event and a more emotional strain. You walk and see the clothes that people have hung up. Take back the night in the spring is a safe space for survivors to share their stories and what happens in take back the night stays in take back the night.” 

Henley also commented on the fragile topics that these events and the club talks about. 

“It is hard because it is not something people want to look at or acknowledge,” stated Henley.  “C.A.R.E.S. stands for Creating a Rape-Free Environment for Students, people are afraid of the message of rape or violence, but that is what C.A.R.E.S. tries to do. It is the most unreported crime. It is us bringing that education in a way that won't make you want to run away from it.” 

Moreover, the walk against violence also touched on a subject that is commonly spoken about on college campuses: hazing. 

“That was our top subject that we were talking about, we wanted to focus on that because frat rush is happening right now,” said Henley. “Dani responds to the public, and since there have been a lot of calls on hazing, she responded to it. People are not aware of what hazing encompasses. It isn't just what is seen in movies, it is so much more.” 

C.A.R.E.S. wanted to emphasize that hazing is an incredibly prevalent topic within each college campus and that it is important to recognize all of the different signs even if they aren’t the ones that come to mind. 

“Hazing can be cliques within your sorority, team, club, chapter, where people don't feel that they are included. Marketing it as ‘tradition,’ (or keeping) certain things secret,” Smith said. 

Senior screenwriting major, Sarah Jane Coleman shared her experience as a member of C.A.R.E.S.

“Being a part of C.A.R.E.S. for me is about supporting survivors of sexual violence, defending the defenceless, and becoming comfortable with uncomfortable topics. Being someone who has known both survivors of sexual assault and people who have been falsely accused I recognise the immense importance it is to stand for the truth,” Coleman said.

Coleman goes on to speak about the involvement of the club on campus and Smith. 

“I love how involved the club is with the main campus as a whole. I don’t know many other clubs that most of the people on campus could name that they collectively know in the same way as C.A.R.E.S.,” said Coleman. “Dani always listens to people. She really cares about their stories and that is often what people need most. Survivors need to be believed, listened to and understood. To be loved is to be known.”

The Walk Against Violence and C.A.R.E.S. work to bring awareness to a subject that can be incredibly difficult to discuss. Yet, especially being a college campus, it is a subject that must be discussed in order to provide a space where students feel safe and protected. Only then, can change begin to progress and further create a new and better culture.