BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Advocates are presenting a free screening of “The Hunting Ground” at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at the Wood River High School Performing Arts Theater on the Community Campus in Hailey.

The documentary is a startling expose about sexual assault on American college campuses and the failure of universities to address the problem.

It struck a visible nerve with a sold out audience at the Sun Valley Opera House during its screening during the Family of Woman Film Festival in February.

And Festival Founder Peggy Goldwyn said that many members of the audience have told her they went home and fired off letters to their colleges and universities saying they would not get another penny from them until they make a full disclosure about how they handle sexual assault on campus.

The film, nominated for Best Documentary at the MTV Movie Awards, reveals that more than a hundred universities and colleges are being investigated by the federal government for their handling of sexual assault complaints.

It follows several young women who reported they’d been sexually assaulted only to be called liars by their perpetrators, indifferent police, callous university leaders and even fellow students.

One was a young woman who talked about Florida State university’s handling of her allegations of rape against Heisman Trophy quarterback Jameis Winston as he was leading the Seminoles to the national championship.

Many of the women interviewed in the film have traveled across the country connecting with others to offer support, compassion and legal aid. They’ve also inspired a national dialogue and launched a survivors network for women who refuse to be silenced.

College-aged women are four times more likely than any other age group to be sexually assaulted. About one in five women and one in 16 college men are targets of attempted or completed sexual assault while at college.

The story behind the film inspired Lady Gaga and seven-time Academy Award-nominee Diane Warren to write and record “ ‘Til It Happens to You,” which calls for support and compassion for sexual assault survivors.

The Advocates are hosting the screening to increase awareness about sexual violence prevention during what is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The Advocates provide support and services for survivors of sexual assault, their partners and family members. For information, contact 208-788-4191.