Centenary College Partners with the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center to Hold Mock Trial

Hackettstown, N.J. – Centenary College’s Sociology and Criminal Justice Club has partnered with the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County (DASACC) for Stanton vs. Richards: A Mock Sexual Assault Trial from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 11, 2013, at the Sitnik Theater in the David and Carol Lackland Center at Centenary College (715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown).  This event is being held in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and is free and open to the public.

“This performance is designed to raise awareness about a very important topic,” says Nicole Chaladoff, Centenary student, DASACC volunteer and AmeriCorps member.  “This exercise will engage attendees and is intended to serve as an educational tool that will challenge myths surrounding sexual violence.  Its goal is to encourage community members to show their support for efforts to end sexual violence and aid survivors on their road to recovery.”

Stanton vs. Richards: A Mock Sexual Assault Trial, which will be acted out by Centenary College’s Theatre students and community members, depicts a trial that chronicles an evening leading up to a possible drug-facilitated sexual assault between two acquaintances.

Members of the audience will serve as jury members and will decide if they think the defendant is innocent or guilty.

“Sexual assault is the most underreported serious crime in society,” says Professor Christopher D. Linne, Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Centenary College, Advisor for the Sociology and Criminal Justice Club.  Linne is also a retired Captain for the Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

“It is important that the issue of sexual assault is openly discussed on a college campus through opportunities like this exercise, as well as in the classroom and through other student activities opportunities,” continues Linne.  “Educational outreach regarding this issue will help reduce incidents of sexual assault, encourage survivors to come forward and receive medical and counseling assistance and create “rape-free” environments.”

For more information about this opportunity, please call (908) 453-4121, ext. 313.

About the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center in Warren County
The Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center’s mission is to support and empower those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault and to develop a community where there is no acceptance of or tolerance for either.
The agency provides services to all who identify themselves as victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual preference, religion, age or disabilities.
Our services include 24 hour emergency hotline and shelter, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Teams, individual counseling (in both Spanish and English), support groups, youth programs for children and teens, transitional housing, case management, outreach program, legal advocacy, safety planning, information and referrals, and community education.

About Centenary College

Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary College’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix is designed to provide an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world.

Centenary College’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township (Morris County).  The Centenary College School of Professional Studies offers degree programs in three locations: Hackettstown, Parsippany and Edison, and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.  The School of International Programs recruits international students for study at Centenary and Centenary students for study abroad.

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