Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month – a time for us to come together as a community
and raise our voices against sexual violence.
Did you know that nearly one in three women and one in six men in the United States have experienced sexual violence at some point in their lives? These staggering statistics reveal the urgent need for awareness and action.
Together, we can challenge harmful attitudes, support survivors and create a culture of consent and respect. Join us in making a difference this Sexual Assault Awareness Month!
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS EVENTS
Spread positivity and support survivors with our Painting of Solidarity Stones event! Join us as we paint small rocks with uplifting messages and pictures to show solidarity and support for survivors of sexual assault.
Throughout April, there will be several opportunities on campus to paint these stones, culminating in a display from April 21-25. We invite survivors and friends of survivors to take these rocks as meaningful tokens of encouragement.
Dates and times for painting:
- Friday, April 5
- Anytime between 12–3 p.m.
- The Office of Community & Belonging, Hanes Student Commons 334
- Friday, April 12
- Anytime between 5–7 p.m.
- Artist Village Lobby
- Friday, April 19
- Anytime between 12–3 p.m.
- The Office of Community & Belonging, Hanes Student Commons 334
If the scheduled times for painting the solidarity stones do not fit with your availability, remember that you're always welcome to drop by the Office of Community and Belonging.
- April 24
Wear your jeans for a purpose! Why Jeans? Back in 1992, an 18-year old woman was forcibly raped by her 45-year old driving instructor in Italy. While the offender was later convicted, Italy’s Supreme Court overturned the verdict, and he was released from jail.
The Court ruled that because the victim was wearing tight jeans at the time of her assault, she must have helped the offender remove them and thus consented to having sex with him. This sparked outrage, and the next day women from the Italian Parliament protested the “jean alibi” verdict by wearing jeans on the steps of the courthouse.
Since then, wearing denim has become a worldwide symbol of protest against victim-blaming and misconceptions surrounding sexual assault. Join the Office of Community and Belonging in wearing denim to raise awareness, challenge harmful attitudes, and advocate for a world free from sexual violence.
- April 24, 6–7 p.m.
- Artist Village RA Lounge
It’s time to boost your IQ! Join us for a special training event: “Raise Your IQ” on the issue of Sexual Assault. This collaborative event will be brought to you by the Office of Community and Belonging, College Residence Life, and Campus Police. Let's debunk myths, explore misconceptions, and empower ourselves to create a safer community for all. Plus, delicious food and exciting prizes await! Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details!
Become an agent of change! As part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we're inviting all passionate individuals to join the Safe Team and stand up against sexual violence! Together, we'll raise awareness, foster change, and make a difference in our community. Ready to make an impact? Sign up for the Safe Team today.
Contact: Fulton McSwain
April 2, 2023