Use University resources for combating violence

I used to have a column at Technician back in 2004. It was supposed to be an advice column, called Ask Kat. I only succeeded in writing three articles. You see, while I was trying to give advice to other students, I was struggling to take my own advice. I was in a relationship with a man who emotionally, financially and sexually abused me.

My life during that spring semester was dark. I became depressed and hopeless. Even though the N.C. State undergraduate population is slightly less than 23,000 students, I felt completely alone and lost. I could not make it to class, let alone write articles for my advice column. I dropped out that semester, broken and ashamed that I was a victim of rape.

Now I write to you almost five years later as a senior and as a survivor. My life is still affected by my experiences, but today I use it as motivation to be a part of something bigger. Today, I choose to be a part of the solution, and that solution comes in the form of a movement. I am currently enrolled in ECD 296: sexual & relationship violence prevention for peer educators. Upon completing the course, I will be a member of The Movement, which is a group of male and female NCSU student activists and peer education leaders. The members of the movement facilitate workshops on the prevention of sexual and relationship violence.

If I had to give advice today, I would urge students to utilize all of the resources at NCSU. I was faced with a horrible situation, and I did not know how to cope. I did not know about the NCSU Women’s Center and the services they provide. If I had, I might have found out that I was not alone. I now know that 480 NCSU women are being raped every academic year.  I have had the opportunity to meet and work with wonderful members of the faculty and staff. It has been my experience that they care not only about my academic success, but also my emotional well-being. I have been overjoyed by the amount of support and encouragement that I have received.  I wanted to share my deepest gratitude for the Women’s Center with the whole University.

Catherine Arriero

senior, interpersonal communication