In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, local officials will “Speak Out” against sexual assault at 6:30 p.m. tonight in Neptune Hall.

The event, sponsored by Voices for Change, Men Against Sexual Assault and Interpersonal Violence and the Counseling and Student Development Center, will consist of several speakers, including Ron Matekaitis, the DeKalb County States Attorney, Troy Melendez, the coordinator for Men Against Sexual Assault and Interpersonal Violence and several survivors of sexual assault. The event is an effort to honor the struggle of individuals who are victims of sexual violence.

More so, it provides support and educational background for people who may know individuals who have been victimized by sexual assault.

Diane Pospisil-Kinney, a staff member at the Counseling and Student Development department, said this event is not held for victims of sexual assault.

“Many of us are not actual survivors,” Pospisil-Kinney said. “But many of us know someone who has suffered from sexual assault.”

Events like this one help to honor and support those who have been unfortunate to personally deal with this situation for their courageousness and the healing journey they take, she said.

Following the speeches, there will be an open forum where audience members are invited to share any experiences with sexual assault they may have had, and a silent, candlelit march around Neptune.

“If there were one thing it is hoped that those who attend will get from the experience, it is the understanding that it was not the victim’s fault,” Pospisil-Kinney said. “No one asks for this.”