University News

The Polished Man & RAINN Day

September 8, 2016

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MACOMB, IL -- Real men wear nail polish -- and speak out again sexual violence.

As part of Western Illinois University's Student Development Office (SDO) interpersonal violence awareness and prevention program, SDO will be set up in the University Union Concourse next week asking the men of Western Illinois to get polished. "Polished Man" is an international initiative that challenges men to paint one nail to raise awareness surrounding violence against children. One in five children suffer physical and/or sexual violence before the age of 18.

WIU's "Polished Man" will be set up in the concourse from 12:30-3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13; 12:30-2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14; and noon-3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15. According to SDO Director Tracy Scott, SDO staff will provide the polish and the nail painting.

According to the "Polished Man" website, the "Polished Man" movement is not about pointing the finger. It's about empowerment and asking men to unite and lead by example, channelling the collective strength of masculinity to protect society's most vulnerable citizens and our future leaders.

In addition to the "Polished Man" initiative, on Thursday, Sept. 15, SDO will provide information on RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network) Day. This day of action was established to raise awareness and educate students about sexual violence on college campuses. RAINN Day is a grassroots program designed to empower college students to educate their peers about risk reduction and recovery resources, Scott added.

For more information, contact SDO at (309) 298-1884 or wiu.edu/sdo.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing