By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Residents are urged to stand in unity at Rock Against Rape, a concert raising awareness of sexual violence through a night of electrifying music.
Hays-based Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services provides help and healing to victims of violence and abuse.
Options Campus Advocate Anniston Weber said the concert's mission is to connect with young adults 18 to 25.
"The goal is to reach college-aged students because they are at higher risk of being sexually assaulted," she said. "Hays is a college town and a lot of our culture involves drinking and partying."
The third-annual Rock Against Rape concert takes the stage at 7 p.m. on May 4 at the Home Event Center, 229 W 10th St.
The lineup includes young local bands and performers such as Adrian Parl, Before the Winter, Cactus Collateral, Dangerously Biased and Free Minded.
"Free Minded is a group of college students who are heavily involved at the Fort Hays music department," Weber said. "They're a relatively new band, but they've performed for us for three years, and they're fantastic."
Advocates and volunteers will oversee the venue, while bartenders are prepared to recognize signs of sexual harassment or predatory behavior when serving alcohol.
The concert is open to anyone 18 and older, with a $10 admission fee for attendees younger than 21 and a $5 fee for those 21 and older.
Bar or restaurant owners who would like to participate in a training program on how to prevent sexual violence can call Options at 785-625-4202 to sign up.
SEE RELATED STORY: Options seek bars to participate in Safe Bar training.
"The concert is a way to connect with people through music and the tradition of coming together at a local bar to share stories and experiences," Options Executive Director Jennifer Hecker said.
Before their performances, band members will share information and statistics about sexual violence.
"We're trying to find light, easy ways to talk about a difficult topic that as a culture, we have not been comfortable talking about," Hecker said.
Options' resources will be highlighted throughout the venue.
Each performance will last about 50 minutes and will be scheduled to allow attendees to show their support.
"I try to put more mellow bands at the beginning of the night so people can come for the music and chill. As the night progresses, the music gets a little 'harder' so to speak," Weber said.
Rock Against Rape is not a fundraiser, but people can donate through QR codes at the event or the Options donate page.
Upcoming events for sexual assault awareness month include:
- Audrie & Daisy Movie Screening, April 24 at FHSU
- Interactive Art Exhibit, April 25 at Hays Outdoor Pavilion
Hecker said the key message of Rock Against Rape is that rapists are responsible for sexual assault, not alcohol.
"It's about holding those perpetrators accountable and putting the blame where it belongs. Not on the victim, what they were wearing or how much they had to drink," she said.
You can find information about domestic violence and resources for survivors on the National Domestic Violence Hotline website and through Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services.
You can walk into an Options office at 2716 Plaza, Hays, or 1480 W. Fourth, Colby. You can call Options' 24-hour helpline at 1-800-794-4624 or text HOPE to 847411.
You can also follow Options on Facebook.