Mallory McMillin

News Reporter

“Behind the Mind of a Criminal” was an event put on by the several members of Residence Life Staff, meant to increase student awareness and safety. The event was held on Nov. 10. Several resident assistants on campus organized the event with help from Student Services and the Grand Junction Police Department.

The event focused on sexual offenses and how students can better protect themselves from becoming victims of such crimes. The Grand Junction Police Department brought a sex offender to answer students’ questions.

“It’s hard to get students to come because of their fear, anger, or disgust,” said Jon Williams, a resident assistant who helped put the event together.

“Some students are afraid to be in the same room as a sex offender and others are too outraged or disgusted to come and speak with a sex offender, but the event is very beneficial in informing students on how to keep themselves from becoming victims.”

Sex offenders attended the event discussed topics such as what they looked for in their victims. Some stated that they were more likely to attack a woman looking down and walking nervously then they were a woman walking confidently.

Sophomore social science major Rico Madrid attended the event.

“It was intense,” Madrid said. “I don’t know what exactly the sex offender did but he was surrounded by four or five policemen. He just talked about how he seduced his victims and how he didn’t feel anything for them.”

The offender spoke about the long process involved in treating sexual offenders.

In addition to the sex offender, a victim was also present at the event. The victim’s purpose was the same — to answer questions and to inform students on how she dealt with being sexually assaulted and to offer experienced advice on seeking help.

“I really hope that they continue holding this event every year,” Williams said. “It truly is beneficial and informative to the students.”

Though many students are uncomfortable attending such events, the students who do attend leave with valuable information on how to protect themselves as well as where to seek help if they are sexually assaulted in any way.

mmcmilli@mesastate.edu