Gannon University’s Students Against Violence Everywhere (S.A.V.E.)  Team is going to “deck the Rec” Friday by hosting a fun-filled event called “Rockin’ the Knight Away” to give students the much-needed and well-deserved time to relax and forget about finals — at least for a little bit.

A few of the featured events include a climbing rock wall, decking the basketball courts, the Rock Band video game to challenge friends and numerous other activities hosted by other clubs and organizations.

Thanks to the diversity of clubs participating, the S.A.V.E. Team is using this unique, inaugural event to educate students on December’s theme: National Rape Awareness Month.

No matter how difficult these topics may be to discuss, they still require our attention and everyone’s involvement as we continue to create the safe living and learning environment where students are looking out for one another’s total well-being.

According to a 2011 survey of 508 college students conducted by Knowledge Networks, 43 percent of dating college women reported experiencing abusive behavior and 52 percent reported knowing a friend who had experienced it as well.

Furthermore, 58 percent of college students said that they did not know what to do to help someone who was a victim of dating abuse and 38 percent didn’t know how to get help for themselves.

It’s the mission of the S.A.V.E. Team to change these statistics and break down the barriers to accessing services. That’s why the group partners with the Crime Victim Center of Erie County and SafeNet so that students are aware that help is always available whenever it is needed.

Additionally through events like “Rockin’ The Night Away,” the Gannon student body is setting an example not only to the Erie community, but to colleges everywhere — that through collaboration and support for one another, we can accomplish anything we set our minds to by working together.  The event will be held at the Recreation and Wellness Center from 6:30-11:30 p.m.