2016-11-03

A sexual assault mock trial to be held at UCF Monday will explore the differences between consensual sex and rape and engage attendees in a conversation about consent.

The event, in its third year, is sponsored by Victim Services. Doors to Student Union room 316 will open at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, and the judge will convene the trial at 6 p.m. There was a large crowd at last year’s event, so be sure to get there early to get a seat.

The mock trial aims to give victims of sexual assault the courage to take action and to say something, along with giving others a new understanding of why it is so important to support victims of crime, to have the difficult conversations and to do the right thing.

“It’s a safe space to observe, participate and get information,” said Christey Oberbeck, UCF victim advocate and coordinator of the mock trial. “It’s also an opportunity to see the complicated issue of sexual assault from the perspective of the victim and alleged perpetrator.”

At the conclusion of the trial, a panel that will include a victim advocate, police chief and faculty member will answer any questions.

The Sexual Assault Mock Trial is open to the public and is free, however UCF Victim Services will be collecting nonperishable food items for the Knights Helping Knights Pantry to support the UCF community as the holiday season approaches.

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