TALLAHASSEE, FL – Hearts were heavy Thursday, Oct. 8, on Florida A&M University’s campus as students and faculty gathered to protest sexual assault and domestic violence.
In recent weeks there have been several assault cases making rounds on social media. Women are telling their stories and urging others to not let these stories slip through the cracks.
Florange Marc, the protest organizer, says the mission is to let students know that they are not alone. A close friend of Marc’s was released from the hospital recently after surviving a domestic assault.
“This really means a lot to me specifically because my line sister just got assaulted for two days straight.” said Marc.
Marc urges policymakers to hold perpetrators accountable and serve justice for victims.
Young men were also advocating for victims. Raising discussions about how and when they can support women.
Josiah Cousins, a first-year political science student, witnessed his female friend and her associates were inebriated at popular local club. Despite not being acquainted with her associates Cousins knew the women were in a vulnerable state. He stepped in and ensured the women made it home safely.
“If something happened to her, I feel like that’s on me,” Cousins said. He prompted men to take responsibility for their actions. “I feel like a lot of us don’t listen to women enough. So, I think it’s really up to us,” said Cousins.
Darlene Cordero, investigator for the FAMU Police Department, says sexual assault and domestic violence cases are high priority for the department.
“Common misconceptions are that nothing will be done. That’s not true with me, and I don’t think that’s true with any of my officers,” said Cordero.
The FAMU Police Department is taking preventative measures for these types of cases such as hosting seminars, nightly patrols, and dorm talks, according to Cordero.
