"Breaking Silence," a candid, intense and often disturbing exhibit on sexual assault which encourages people to talk openly about this issue, will make its only stop in Austin at St. Edward's University beginning Mon., Oct. 22, through Fri., Oct. 26. This event is free and open to the public.

"Breaking Silence" includes 14 interviews with both women and men who have been victims of sexual assault. Participants are provided with a headset and CD of the interviews as they view photographs of the people they hear. Through this innovative, weeklong exhibit, victims become alive and real as they share the profound impact sexual assault has had on them, their friends and family.

"This is an issue affecting all university campuses across the country," said sophomore Monica Armendariz, chair of the University Programming Board of St. Edward's University, which sponsored this event. "Many of us know someone who has been a victim of some sort of sexual assault. We as a student organization wanted to bring this important issue to the forefront to promote healing and dialogue."

The exhibit is produced by Educational Arts, an organization dedicated to exploring human behavior through high quality, educational multi-media exhibitions and programs dealing with social issues. Their strength is their approach. They believe that shared experiences are learning experiences.

"Breaking Silence" will be held in the Mabee Ballroom of the Ragsdale Center on the campus of St. Edward's University. Viewing hours are Mon.-Fri., from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. Media is invited to a private viewing of the exhibit on Tues., Oct. 16, from 10 - 11 a.m. While coverage of this groundbreaking event is encouraged, we want to ensure that members of the media have an opportunity to personally experience this powerful display of the human experience.

Founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross, St Edward's University is an independent Catholic liberal arts university of 4,100 students located in Austin, Texas.