Paw Print Editor: Brianna Robles
The month of April is significant as this month in particular calls attention to the sexual violence that has impacted people in our community and around the world. This month (SAAM) aims toward being able to educate those around us about the sexual violence that exists and bring awareness towards ways we can educate on the topic as well as raise awareness towards the issue of learning how to prevent it.
Through the month of April Adams, State University has joined together with an organization labeled “It’s On Us” which is a non-profit organization that focuses on sexual assault prevention and education. Their goal is to educate students on consent, healthy relationships, bystander intervention, and survivor support. Throughout the whole month, this organization has joined together with Adams State as they created free workshops for students to take action and become well aware of the issues that involve sexual assault.
The month began on April 4th as students and staff were encouraged to participate in the Day of Action by wearing teal to show support for the survivors of sexual harassment and abuse. The color teal is a signal to show support as well as show others that you are a safe person to talk to if they need to reach out to someone. Other activities included Tu Casa @ Adams Chalk the Walk, which took place at the Japanese Garden and encourage students to decorate the campus with art that brings awareness towards sexual assault. Some other important events that took place from April 13th-14th were workshops that included Sexual Assault Awareness, Bystander Education, WTF is a Healthy Relationship, as well as a keynote speaker Kyle Richard who is the Associate Director of Men’s Engagement and special projects for It’s On Us, use his voice to advocate on the behalf of sexual violence prevention in sports.
The month is almost coming to an end, but students and staff can still participate in the remaining upcoming events which include Denim Day on April 26th, which started as a campaign in 1999 to stand against victim-blaming attitudes in sexual assault cases. Students and staff are encouraged to wear denim jeans to honor sexual assault survivors as a stance in solidarity against sexual assault. The last event of the month is on April 28th, which will be Tu Casa SAAM Themed Bingo. The day will end at the Spare Keg at 6:00 pm where there will be finger food and prizes to win.
If anyone is experiencing sexual assault and needs someone to reach out to call the National Sexual Assault Hotline, which is available 24 hours at 1-800-656-4673.
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