By Brittany Ward
Oct. 5, 2018

The past year has been an important one for opening the discussion, speaking up and respecting each other’s voices and bodies. Rock for Respect, a benefit for Voices of Hope this Saturday at The Bourbon Theatre, comes at a time where the topic is at another peak of controversy and starts off the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Week Without Violence.

Freakabout, Uh Oh and Mannix will perform to support Voices of Hope’s work serving victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as their families. Cosponsored by the UNL Women’s Center and UNL PREVENT, the event is free and will have a raffle with prizes. All donations and purchase of raffle tickets will go to Voices of Hope.

The local organization was founded in 1975 and gained nonprofit status in 1989. Serving victims of sexual assault and relationship violence, Voices of Hope offers counseling, safety planning, medical and legal advice as well as a 24-hour crisis line. With many services provided, the nonprofit also offers weekly support groups, educational groups, special topics groups as well as educational and preventative training programs.

UNL PREVENT is an inclusive group on campus that includes students, staff and faculty that work together to educate everyone with the goal of ending relationship and sexual violence. The group offer trainings, meetings, visits to classrooms and events to increase awareness in the community.

UNL Women’s Center is the hub for many resources and is a welcoming and safe space for anyone to come, receive counselling, seek help, volunteer and learn more. In the center, you can find thousands of library resources on gender related books, student staff that coordinates programs and events (like Rock for Respect) and other helpful resources.

For the Rock for Respect performers — Mannix Band, Uh Oh and FREAKABOUT — being asked to play at this event was a ‘yes,’ without hesitation.

Uh Oh’s Mari Crisler attended and performed at the event last year with her other band, Death Cow.

“I have been involved in research that is finding statistics about awareness sexual assault, or lack thereof, on campus and outside resources that help students with the trauma of sexual assault. It is so incredibly important to have a victim advocacy program in the area,” said Crisler. “As a student at UNL, the Women’s Center and UNL PREVENT are a comfort. Programs like these make campus a safer place to be.”

This year is Mannix’s first time in attendance at the event. The band is excited to perform as well as finding out more information on getting involved with these groups.

“To be able to use music as a tool to raise awareness for sexual assault is an extremely meaningful use of our abilities. The face that this event brings art, the community and social justice together is unique and impactful.”

Maia Ramsay, lead vocals, expressed the importance of groups and resources like the Women’s Center.

“As a student at UNL, the Women’s Center is key in educating the students about sex, consent and empowering all women. Being respectful and aware of how one’s actions affect others are a couple important lessons that the Women’s Center, UNL PREVENT and groups like it provide to the students and community,” said Ramsay.

If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to or a safe space or wants to receive more education on the topic, reach out to any of the groups involved in Rock for Respect.

Voices of Hope
Office line: (402) 476-2110
24-hour crisis line: (402) 475-7273

UNL Women’s Center
(402) 472-2597
UNL PREVENT
prevent@unl.edu

Event info:
Saturday, October 6 | Rock for Respect
Bourbon Theatre |Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Brittany Ward is an editorial intern with KZUM.