L
aura Wilson, assistant professor of psychology, has published a paper with colleagues from the University of Central Florida and Virginia Tech. Dr. Wilson, along with Drs. Newins and White, wrote a paper about how the way rape survivors conceptualize the incident impacts their functioning. This process is called rape acknowledgment. Up to this point, researchers have primarily focused on how the label the survivor uses to conceptualize the incident explains depression and posttraumatic stress disorder, without taking other factors into account. The findings of this more recent study suggest that the label matters in the context of the survivor’s beliefs about sexual victimization. The paper, “The impact of rape acknowledgment on survivor outcomes: The moderating effects of rape myth acceptance,” was recently published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology. Dr. Wilson also presented the study with Dr. Newins at the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies conference in Chicago this month. They presented as part of a symposium they arranged including esteemed colleagues from Duke University School of Medicine, East Carolina University, and University of New Mexico.
Coming Out Day Event Oct. 11
The Safe Zone committee is excited to announce our Coming Out Day event on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from noon to 3 p.m. The event will be on Campus Walk in front of Lee Hall (rain location: UC 2nd floor).
Coming Out Day is a national day of celebration, during which we recognize the bravery involved in coming out as LGBTQ+ or an ally. We will be encouraging all community members to engage in an activity geared toward increasing inclusion and fostering thoughtful discussion. We will also be giving out Safe Zone keychains (while supplies last), answering questions about Safe Zone, and providing resources to the campus community. We hope you will be able to join us!
Please email Dr. Laura Wilson (lwilson5@umw.edu) with any questions. Also, check out our webpage at bit.ly/UMWsafezone for more information and helpful resources!
“Love Who You Are” Campaign
Want to support the LGBTQ+ community AND get a free shirt? Stop by the Safe Zone table on the 2nd floor of the UC this Friday (3/31) from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. and sign the pledge. If you sign the pledge, you get a shirt (while supplies last)! This is open to students and faculty/staff. Please announce this event in your classes and spread the word!
Pledge: “I believe all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, deserve to feel safe and supported.”