Women's Empowerment and Violence Education (Weave)

I am the woman who holds up the sky. The rainbow runs through my eyes The sun makes a path to my womb. My thoughts are in the shape of clouds. But my words are yet to come.

- Poem of the Ute Indians

These Peer Health Educators offer women information, resources, and opportunities to get involved in breaking the silence that masks sexual violence.

The mission of the Women's Empowerment and Violence Education team (WEAVE) is to promote and nurture the empowerment and strength of women. We are dedicated to ending all forms of violence aqgainst women through encouraging communication between the sexes, taking action when violence occurs, and coordinating events that raise campus and community awareness.

Main messages:

• Everyone has the ability to heal and deserves the opportunity to do so. Healing is a process that can include: a) naming the violence, b) learning to cope, and c) empowering yourself and others.
• Relationship violence encompasses a range of physical, emotional, and sexual behaviors.
• Consent means that:
• Both parties are fully conscious.
• Both parties are free to act; neither is coerced or constrained.
• Both parties behave positively and clearly communicate their intent.
• Giving in to sex does not mean giving consent.
• Violence thrives in silence. Speak up.

WEAVE Outreach Programs

1) Sexual Assault:Awareness into Action- This program is for women only.

• WEAVE students provide educational information about the definition of rape, rape laws, continuum of violence, "date rape drugs", and risk reduction strategies through discussion, role-plays, and other interactive activities. Participants will leave this program knowing the most common risk factors associated with sexual assault, how they can reduce their risk, available resources, how to support a friend recovering from an assault, and have a better understanding of why sexual assault occurs in our society.
• During this presentation, men attend a program facilitated by Men's Violence Prevention

2) Healthy Relationships- This program is for women only.

• This program includes an open discussion about how men and women are socialized and how that affects the way we interact in relationships. Participants will talk about what they want and don't want in a relationship, how to recognize abusive behaviors, and how to help yourself or a friend in an abusive relationship. Students will leave this program with a better understanding of what defines a healthy relationship and the dynamics of domestic/dating violence.
• During this presentation, men attend a program facilitated by Men's Violence Prevention.

3) Gender Mending - This program is for men and women.

• WEAVE and MVP students co-facilitate a conversation in an open atmosphere about men’s and women’s issues to break down silence and miscommunication. This program provides participants with an opportunity to raise their awareness and respect for gender differences and similarities, and to check out assumptions and stereotypes we may have about each other.

To find out more about these programs, email pws@wwu.edu

The Steps to Schedule an Outreach Program:

• 1. Contact speakers bureau coordinator at least seven days (preferably more) in advance of requested program date.Contact us at 650-2993.
• 2. Provide the following information:
• Contact Name
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Requested Program
• Requested Program Dates
• 3.The Staff Coordinator for that topic area will email you or return your call to confirm with you. At that time you will be able to discuss any particular program needs.
• 4.After your request has been confirmed, please help us make the program the best it can be by advertising! Let us know if you need help or ideas.

If you don’t see a topic you are interested in listed here, please follow the procedures for scheduling an outreach program to let us know, and we’ll see what we can come up with. Contact us at 650-2993.