BEMIDJI, Minn. — The Bemidji State University Student Development & Enrollment Office and the Sexual Assault Multi-Disciplinary Action Response Team (B-SMART) will host an open focus group, “Communities Against Sexual Violence: A Conversation for Everyone,” on Tuesday, Dec. 11 from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Ozawiindib Room of BSU’s Hobson Memorial Union.

This open focus group for anyone age 18 or over will be held to discuss issues surrounding sexual violence and assault in our communities. B-SMART wants to know how responding agencies are helping victims of sexual assault, and what it might be able to do in order to improve services. All persons in attendance will have an opportunity to voice their thoughts about sexual violence issues in the community, and all responses will be kept strictly confidential.

Come have your voice heard and work together to stop sexual violence in our community.

Refreshments will be provided.

Additional focus groups will be hosted by B-SMART in January 2008.

For more information, please contact B-SMART Coordinator Candace Ophus at (218) 444-9524.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Dec. 11 – 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. – Bemidji State University and the Sexual Assault Multi-Disciplinary Action Response Team host “Communities Against Sexual Violence: A Conversation for Everyone,” an open forum for the discussion of sexual violence issues in the community. MUST BE 18 OR OVER TO ATTEND. Location: Ozawiindib Room, Hobson Union, BSU campus. Information: Candace Ophus, (218) 444-9524.

About B-SMART
The B-SMART is a multidisciplinary team established in 2006 and is made of representatives from advocacy, mental health, law enforcement, medical, corrections, prosecution and Bemidji State University. The B-SMART strives to create victim-centered guidelines when assisting sexual violence victims in our communities. This collaborative effort will consist of training and protocol writing for all participating agencies, ensuring the most compassionate care for all victims of sexual violence. B-SMART is funded by the Violence Against Women Act through the Office of Justice Programs.