Mother and speaker Andrea Cooper has traveled around the country for eight years sharing Kristin’s Story.
On Monday night in the Glenn Miller Ballroom, the CU Panhellenic Association sponsored Kristin’s Story, a presentation and mother’s account of acquaintance rape and depression.
“I travel to college campuses with the hope that I will be able to help someone in the room,” Cooper said.
Cooper has given her presentation at 308 college campuses. She discusses the signs of depression, laws regarding rape and tips on how to help a victim of rape or someone struggling with depression.
Cooper shared the story of her daughter, who was a Baker University student and member of Alpha Chi Omega. Kristin, a victim of rape, committed suicide when she was a sophomore in college.
Accompanying Cooper’s presentation, former student and sorority member Emily Johnson shared her own story and personal experience as a victim of acquaintance rape.
“I just really wanted to help support Andrea’s message,” Johnson said. “I thought that I was invincible and (it was worth me sharing my story) if even two or three women can save themselves by recognizing that they are not invincible.”
Emily Ambrose, a Greek-life coordinator, said Johnson’s speech was one of the most positive aspects of the night.
“It was great to have a strong, courageous woman from our community share her story,” Ambrose said. “It gave a personal touch to the presentation”
Nearly 90 percent of all rapes are committed by a friend, relative or acquaintance, according to the presentation.
“We hear stuff like this all the time and sometimes it takes a personal story to get our attention,” said Sarah Landry, a junior international affairs major.
Other resources were made available at the presentation, such as those provided by COURAGE, or CU Rape and Gender Education Program.
“Based on tonight, I hope that women will better understand the importance of supporting and looking out for one another,” said John Henderson, director of Greek affairs.
For more information on this presentation, visit www.kristinsstory.com.
