» PEER / CARES Events / Programs

P.E.E.R. (Proactive Education Encouraging Responsibility) is focused on creating awareness and providing education regarding mental, social, and physical health and safety issues for students. The Chapman CARES student group brings attention to interpersonal violence with the goal of preventing incidents and also addresses the problematic use of alcohol and other substances. CARES hosts several events to provide students with information and opportunities to get involved. Contact Dr. Dani Smith, Director of the Department of PEER and Health Education and the CARES Coordinator, for more information.

Follow CARES on Instagram: @cu.cares

Meetings: Fridays at Noon in AF 206A

CARES Clothesline Project

Chapman University's Clothesline Project - scheduled for Wednesday, October 16th will be rescheduled due to the new university policies. Chapman CARES has approximately 800 shirts that have been made by Chapman community members and alumni throughout the years. This outdoor exhibit displays t-shirts designed by campus survivors of interpersonal violence, with the goal of breaking the silence surrounding this hidden epidemic. The Chapman University CARES Clothesline Project began in 1995 and is a visual depiction of the prevalence of interpersonal violence in our society. Sexual Violence is a "hidden epidemic" with more and more individuals hurt. WE MUST TALK ABOUT THIS hidden epidemic, working together to find our voices. All are invited to contribute to Chapman University’s Clothesline Project. Shirts and design materials are provided without cost to participants. Support is available from advocates at our tables and also in Fish Interfaith Center. Students often come to campus to see their shirts hung during our CARES Clothesline display. We are hoping to display this very powerful prevention education exhibit that educates and provides a voice for survivors of interpersonal and sexual violence, while at the same time taking care of survivors.

CARES Sexual Assault Formal Presentation

This program is presented by CARES members and Dr. Dani Smith. The program is interactive and presents active bystander intervention skills, information and resources with the goal of empowering students and preventing sexual violence on our campus. It emphasizes that sexual violence is NEVER the survivor's fault, while at the same time "Calling for an End" to such violent behavior. According to the CDC, “The evidence for sexual violence prevention is still emerging, but the problem is too urgent to wait until the field has perfect solutions.” CARES works to educate and raise awareness through the many formal educational programs including Clothesline Project, Take Back the Night and Chapman CARES Walk Against All Violence. This is a Public Health issue that MUST BE ADDRESSED. This CARES presentation is available upon request for groups, clubs, classes and staff members. Reporting options and supportive measures are discussed. Contact Dr. Dani Smith to schedule a one hour program.

The one-hour version of the documentary "The Hunting Ground" is shown several times throughout the academic year.

"The Hunting Ground" is a documentary that examines the incidents of sexual violence on college campuses and how many universities are mishandling these incidents. The documentary brings to the forefront the fact that campus sexual violence is a pervasive problem across the nation. CARES hosts showings throughout the academic year to educate and raise awareness. For more information or to schedule a one-hour showing for a group, class, club - Contact Dr. Dani Smith.

Take Back The Night Event

Tuesday, April 15th at 7:00 pm in Fish Interfaith Center. Chapman University's Take Back the Night is a restorative justice NIGHT FOR SURVIVORS and has been taking place since the the 90s. Currently, this four-part evening, held in our Fish Interfaith Center, provide students and the community with the opportunity to "Take Back the Night." The event consists of a reading of sexual assault accounts submitted by Chapman survivors, an open microphone for survivors, a candlelight march, and a reception following the event. All are welcome to attend this very powerful event held on Thursday evening, April 15th in the Fish Interfaith Center and is HOSTED by CARES. Contact Dr. Dani Smith for more information.

Take Back the Night 2023 Video »

What Were You Wearing Exhibit?

This Argyros Forum Exhibit takes place in April and consists of outfits worn by survivors along with a brief narrative from each individual. There is NEVER an excuse for sexual violence and this exhibit aims to STOP harmful victim/survivor blaming. If you are interested in contributing your garments and/or story, contact Dr. Dani Smith @ dasmith@chapman.edu - If you no longer have the garments, Dr. Smith will purchase facsimiles.

Denim Day

The campaign originated as a result of a ruling handed down by the Italian Court of Appeals where a rape conviction was overturned. Join us in solidarity and speak out against survivor-shaming by wearing denim for the day. Denim Day is a National Event and will be held on April 30th, 2025. Contact Dr. Dani Smith for more information.

Denim Day »

Red My Lips - Stop Victim Blaming

Wearing red lipstick in April is another way to speak out against the damaging myths and victim-blaming attitudes providing an opportunity to stand in solidarity with survivors. Come to the CARES tables and grab a red lipstick button, sticker or put on red lipstick. Red My Lips will be observed April 30th, 2025 at Chapman the same day as Denim Day.

Mental and Physical Health Presentations and Sexual Violence Prevention Programs

Is your club, organization, class in need of a Mental or Physical Health Education presentation? Programs vary and include: Stress Reduction Tips, Anxiety Management, Conflict Resolution Training, Healthy Relationship and Boundary education. These are a few of the many programs available. Take a look and contact Dr. Dani Smith, Director of PEER and Health Education to schedule a presentation.

WALK AGAINST VIOLENCE C.A.R.E.S. Chapman University

This year on September 25th 200+ Chapman community members participated in our WALK. Many thanks for taking a stand against ALL Violence: interpersonal, dating and domestic violence, hazing, substance abuse as well as all other violent acts targeting vulnerable populations. Many thanks to ALL who participated.

Resources »

C.A.R.E.S. - Creating A Rape-free Environment Active Bystander Intervention (ABI) Award

CARES received twenty-four nominations for our Active Bystander Intervention (ABI) this year - 2024. Manya Chandra and Michael Daniels were selected as two students who actively make a difference. All nominated students took action to make sure peers were safe - getting them out of 'dangerous' situations, making sure they got home safely, speaking out when someone was inappropriate - taking action when needed. These students continue to change our "Rape Supportive Culture" with their behaviors. Many thanks to all of you who "INTERVENE" and help others. Many thanks to all who nominated peers.

SAVS (Waymakers) Support Drive

Survivors of Sexual Assault who undergo a forensic examination are often at the hospital for hours. Waymakers, Orange County's sexual assault unit, sends an advocate to support survivors through the process. Five dollar food vouchers are one way to help survivors during the process. Survivors may not have eaten for hours. Food vouchers are one way to support survivors.

American Red Cross Blood Drives

The Department of PEER and Health Education has been coordinating and hosting campus American Red Cross Blood Drives since the '90s. There are four (4) drives scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year. Dates for drives are taking place on February 13th and April 17th. Contact Dr. Dani Smith for more information or make an appointment online at redcrossblood.org using code CU. Many thanks to our American Red Cross Club and Disciples on Campus for providing volunteers on the day of our drives.