Students in a Middle Georgia State University (MGA) sociology class are launching the “Postcard Project,” a creative way of bringing attention to the often-hidden issues of domestic violence and sexual assault.

In partnership with the Crisis Line & Safe House of Central Georgia and MGA’s Office of Title IX, students in Dr. Elaina Behounek’s fall Social Problems class will gather in the lobby of the Student Life Center on MGA’s Macon Campus to write messages and create art on a series of postcards that will be displayed in a kind of mosaic during the event, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, October 24.

On the postcards, participants may anonymously share their own stories or show support to others who have been victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. The Postcard Project is open to all MGA students, faculty, and staff, and anyone in the community who would like to participate. Crisis Line representatives will be there with information about community resources to help those affected by violence.

Behounek said the postcards are a way of visually illustrating the scope of the abuse.

“One out of every four women and one out of every seven men experience domestic violence in their lives,” said Behounek, an associate professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice. “College-age women are at a three times greater risk than other women of being sexually assaulted. Victims are often scared to report what’s happened to them. Our purpose with this project is to let survivors know they are not alone, we care, and there are resources in the community to support you.”

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Advocacy organizations around the country organize awareness-raising events every October, including variations of a postcard project.