Name: Spencer Runde
Campus Affiliation: Supervision Chair of PAVE-UW
How are your academic interests and/or work related to campus sexual violence?
My academic and work endeavors are fully committed to supporting survivors of sexual violence and trafficking while also working to eliminate the systemic factors that perpetuate these issues. My research focuses on decolonizing the anti-trafficking field and trauma-informed care for survivors of sexual violence. At PAVE, we provide free workshops and educational resources on sexual violence prevention and advocacy while constantly promoting consent culture that challenges heteronormativity.
Why do you think people should come to the “Day of Connection: Spaces for Survivors & Allies”
People should come to UHS’s Day of Connection because I want to watch, discuss, and analyze the documentary with everybody else! These conversations are also incredibly important, and I hope we can all help each other in challenging the issue of sexual violence in our communities.
Name: Lauren Karas
Campus Affiliation: Director of Wellness and Support for Badger Supports, incoming student representative on the Suicide Prevention Coordinating Council, and PIVOT Lab Research Assistant
How are your academic interests and/or work related to campus sexual violence?
I am an Honors Psychology major and a research assistant for the PIVOT Lab (Preventing Interpersonal Violence and Overcoming Trauma), where I work on sexual violence research. I will also be doing my honors thesis related to unwanted sexual experiences and students’ perceptions of the matter. I am also the Director of Wellness and Support and a Peer Facilitator for Badger Supports. I work directly with the student population and hear a variety of experiences. I have training in sexual assault and awareness from Badger Supports as well!
Why do you think people should come to the “Day of Connection: Spaces for Survivors & Allies”
I believe it is a great opportunity to meet people in the field who have a passion for sexual violence research, prevention, and sharing their experiences. Especially during the month of awareness, it is important to understand how salient sexual violence is on campus. This event is to show that everyone has a space to express themselves and understand that they are not alone.
Name: Rachel Parbs (she/her)
Campus Affiliation: Advocate, Survivor Services
How are your academic interests and/or work related to campus sexual violence?
My work at UW–Madison as a Survivor Services Advocate focuses on both supporting survivors and preventing campus sexual violence. I work directly with students to provide confidential, trauma-informed advocacy, helping them navigate options like reporting, medical care, and campus resources, while also being an on campus source of support. A big part of my role is making sure students feel informed and in control of their choices. I’m also really passionate about building a campus culture that prioritizes consent and survivor support through intentional prevention education and awareness.
Why do you think people should come to the “Day of Connection: Spaces for Survivors & Allies”
I think people should come to the Day of Connection because it’s an opportunity to both show up for survivors and better understand how we can prevent harm in our communities. Especially during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it’s important that we not only support survivors, but also take the time to educate ourselves and think about the role we each play in creating a safer campus.
Name: Colleen Conroy (she/her)
Campus Affiliation: Department of Theatre and Drama
How are your academic interests and/or work related to campus sexual violence?
In theatre we explore the human condition and unfortunately sexual violence is a ubiquitous part of our stories. Too often these narratives are used as entertainment without interrogation or a clear purpose. The statistics on campuses are shocking, and since we never know the personal history of those in the room, my focus is on creating a mindful environment that does not retraumatize or reinforce misconceptions. I prioritize a duty of care for those embodying the work and those witnessing it.
Why do you think people should come to the “Day of Connection: Spaces for Survivors & Allies”
People should come to move past being “used to” these stories and acknowledge the human impact. Whether we are conscious of it or not, we are all affected. The number of people impacted is crushing and for many these are lived experiences, not just numbers. This event is an opportunity to break the isolation by witnessing these truths together and reflecting on how we can better support one another on this campus.