15th Annual 5K for Victims of Violence Held at Mason Friday

On Friday, George Mason University will be hosting the 15th annual Victim’s Rights 5K Run and Walk as a fundraiser for their Victims of Violence fund, Sexual Assault Services (SAS), as well as their Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Program. These programs provide assistance for George Mason students who have been victims of assault and abuse.

The Victims of Violence Fund, a component of SAS, uses the money raised to go toward whatever victims might need. This includes paying for screenings through Student Health Services and other medical bills, as well as any items that may need to be replaced due to their assault, including new sheets if theirs are taken for evidence.

“We feel that it is not okay, when a student has been done wrong, for them to take a financial hit," said Rachel Lindsey, the outreach coordinator with SAS. "It’s not right for it to be a deal-breaker for whether they can continue their education or get medical care.”

The one thing that the Victims of Violence Fund does not pay for are lawyer fees, since it would drain the fund too quickly.

The portions of the funds raised that go to RAD go directly towards self-defense classes that are held on campus, particularly for equipment, workbooks, and compensation for the instructors. Sergeant Patricia Millan of the George Mason Police Department has been one of the coordinators of the Victims of Violence 5K since coming to Mason in 2001, and was given the opportunity due to her work with RAD.

"My passion is to help people and to raise awareness for victims of assault," Millan said. "We want to empower women, and women who go through our self defense classes have said that it helps them feel more confident."

While most of the people who receive help from SAS and RAD are women, a small percentage of males receive assistance as well.

"The reason why I think it’s such a higher percentage of women is because it’s hard for males to admit that they’re victims and ask for help," Lindsey said. This year, a man who was a victim of assault will also speak at the 5K.

The Run and Walk is held in collaboration with the Aimee Willard Memorial 5K Fun Run, which benefits the Aimee Willard Endowment Scholarship Fund. This scholarship fund was created in honor of a George Mason lacrosse player who was murdered in 1996, and helps pay for the education of George Mason Student Athletes. The Mason lacrosse team actively helps out with the race every year, and alumni who were teammates of Aimee Willard come out every year to speak on her behalf. This year is special for the lacrosse team because after paying tribute to Aimee in the 5K, they will be playing against the Delaware Blue Hens Friday night and will pay respect to her during the game as well.

Millan said that she thinks that the collaboration between SAS, RAD, and the Aimee Willard Endowment Scholarship Fund helps bring in the involvement of diverse groups of student and staff. Last year, there were about 380 participants, both male and female. While this number is smaller than it has been in the past, likely due to the economy, the enthusiasm of the organizers and participants has not waned.

This race is held every April, during National Crime Victim’s Rights Week, which takes place this year from April 10 - 16. It was first observed in 1981 by the Office for Victims of Crime, which is part of the United States Department of Justice. The theme for this year’s National Crime Victim’s Rights Week is, "Reshaping the Future; Honoring the Past." The run will begin from the Center of the Arts on George Mason’s Campus, across from Mason Pond. There is also a walking component of the race that is about two miles, for participants who do not wish to participate in the run.

If you wish to learn more or register for this event, please visit the Victims of Violence 5K website here.