When a person is a victim of sexual assault, they go through investigations, police reports and examinations, in which they may have to leave their clothes behind for evidence and tests. What most don't know are the resources available to victims after all that is done.

Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence, located in Doctors' Park in Cape Girardeau, along with VICTORY -- Violence Information Counseling Treatment Outreach Rights And You-- located in the University Center, are both programs that provide help such as counseling to sexual assault victims. To show that these resources are available, they are holding the event called "Rock Against Rape."

According to statistics from the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, more commonly referred to as RAINN, 44 percent of rape victims are under the age of 18 and 80 percent are under the age of 30. Each year there are about 213,000 victims of sexual assault. Every two minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted, and 60 percent of sexual assaults are not reported to the police.

"Rock Against Rape" is being held on Sept. 22, which is known as RAINN Day. This day marks RAINN'S annual campaign devoted to raising awareness and educating individuals against sexual violence on college campuses.

"While there is no surefire way to prevent a sexual assault, there are some simple steps students can take to reduce their risk," RAINN spokesperson Katherine Hull said. "It's also critical that in the event of a sexual assault, students are equipped and informed about what to do."

According to the latest statistics from Southeast's Department of Public Safety, in 2009 there was one forcible sexual assault on Southeast's campus and one in a university residential facility.

"Sexual violence happens every day to women of all ages and backgrounds," project coordinator for VICTORY Sylvia Edgar said. "It can happen to your sister, your friend, your girlfriend or your daughter. College women are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted than the general population."

Misti Stanfield, a nurse for the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence, said that even though showing that these resources are available is the main point of the event, she hopes people who attend will get much more out of it.

"We will be talking a lot about this at the event," Stanfield said, "but we want to make sure the people are aware of their surroundings when they go out, and if the community sees something that doesn't look safe or that may not be a good situation, that they will do something about it and help."

At the event, sponsors from VICTORY and SMNASV will talk about sexual assault and the resources available to victims. The entertainment portion will follow.

Hull said that after students are educated about these acts of violence, she hopes they utilize RAINN's recovery resources, such as a pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt for victims who have to leave their clothes behind and a confidential hotline to call.

"It's never too late to get help following a sexual assault -- whether the attack took place last week or years ago, the National Sexual Assault Hotlines are available to provide victims and survivors with the help that they deserve to recover," Hull said.

As a cover charge for the event, VICTORY is asking for $3 or a donation of sweatpants and sweatshirts for women who have gone through sexual violence. Books for children who have been removed from houses due to contamination from methamphetamine will also be collected.

Mike Renick and Tune Squad will perform at "Rock Against Rape," which begins at 6:30 p.m. at Bel Air Grill on Spanish Street in downtown Cape Girardeau.