April Is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)

April 1, 2021

Every April, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), along with other organizations, coordinates the national Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) campaign to educate and engage the public in addressing the issue of sexual assault. Sexual Assault Awareness Month (also referred to as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month/SAAPM) offers an opportunity to reaffirm Howard University’s ongoing commitment to creating and maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning and working environment, free from all forms of sex and gender-based discrimination, harassment, and violence, including sexual assault. The University’s year-round initiatives in support of this commitment include educating the community in sexual assault prevention; the University’s Policy Prohibiting Sex and Gender-Based Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct, and Retaliation (the Title IX Policy); and the related rights, resources, and responsibilities of all members of the Howard University community. Remember that survivors of sexual assault have the right to make a report to the Title IX Office and/or to law enforcement, as well as seek support services from confidential resources on or off campus, including the Interpersonal Violence Prevention Program (IVPP), the University Counseling Service, the Office of the Chaplains, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

This year’s SAAM theme is We Can Build Safe Online Spaces, because sexual harassment, misconduct, and abuse can happen anywhere, including online. As we connect online, we can learn how to practice digital consent, intervene when we see harmful content or behaviors, and ensure that online spaces (including work spaces, online classrooms, and social media platforms) are respectful and safe.

Visit the National Sexual Violence Resource Center online to learn more and scroll down for a list of events, activities, and opportunities for members of the Howard University community to get involved during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

In the meantime, read the White House’s Proclamation on National Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Month, 2021.

You can also visit the following organizations online to learn about what they are doing to educate and engage communities across the country on the issue of sexual violence, and how you can get involved:

Excellence in Truth and Service,

The Title IX Office

 

Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2021 Events

Check here regularly throughout the month of April for updates.

April 7

NVRDC Law School Forum on Crime Victims' Rights

Presented by Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC) for students of DC law schools

DC LAW STUDENTS: Join NVRDC attorneys on April 7 for a FREE 1-hour discussion where they will share real-life examples of how they assist crime victims, including survivors of sexual assault, in asserting their rights. NVRDC's Kristin Eliason, Director of Legal & Strategic Advocacy, and Heba Estafanous, Staff Attorney & Legal Clinic Coordinator, will be talking about the role of a Crime Victims' Rights attorney, career paths to becoming a CVR attorney, and how to spot common CVR issues that victims/survivors may face.

Register for one of three time slots at the following links:

Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC) provides free, holistic, and comprehensive advocacy, case management and legal services to survivors of all types of crime regardless of income. Learn more at https://www.nvrdc.org/.

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April 8

RAINN Day Consent Conversations: Survivors Share

Presented by the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)

RAINN Clinical Director Ebonique Bethea hosts a discussion with Maya, Tasha, and Lorward, RAINN Speakers Bureau members who experienced sexual violence in college. In this moving, powerful conversation, survivors will share how family and friends can be supportive, what colleges and universities need to change to create safer spaces, and how speaking out affected their lives.

You can join the conversation on Facebook Live or on RAINN's YouTube channel at 12pm ET on April 8.

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE, online.rainn.org y rainn.org/es) and has helped more than 3 million people since 1994. Learn more at https://www.rainn.org/.

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April 14 & 27

Nameless

Presented by Men Can Stop Rape

In honor of both Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month, the organization Men Can Stop Rape will be presenting digital screenings of their documentary, Nameless. This film is a resource and awareness-raising tool that explores the issue of commercial sexual exploitation in the DMV, identifies who is impacted, and offers prevention and intervention strategies. 

There will be two screenings:

  • Wednesday, April 14 at 12pm ET
  • Tuesday, April 27 at 1pm ET

Register to attend one of the online screenings at https://mcsr.org/saam-digital

Men Can Stop Rape is a DC-based organization whose mission is to mobilize men to use their strength for creating cultures free from violence, especially men's violence against women. Learn more at https://mcsr.org/.

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April 19

Title IX, Advocacy, and Support Panel Discussion

Presented by Georgetown University

We invite you to join the Title IX, Advocacy, and Support Panel Discussion on Monday, April 19, at 4pm ET, including the University of Michigan, Howard University, and Georgetown University. The Panel will be made up of representatives from each institution's Title IX office and the confidential counseling and advocacy office.

Please RSVP and submit any questions you have for the Panel at: SAAM Panel Discussion RSVP

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April 20

Community Conversation: The Awareness and Prevention of Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Abuse

Presented by the United States Attorney’s Office & Men Can Stop Rape

Join in a Community Conversation with Guest Speakers Neil Irvin, Executive Director of Men Can Stop Rape, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenechukwu Okocha, Domestic Violence and Sex Offense Section, on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.  They will have a candid discussion on the awareness and prevention of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sexual abuse. This event is being held in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Join us online at the following link:

https://usao.webex.com/usao/j.php?MTID=e3ed4ebd2e1cd8346ecb9656418142c63.

Event Number: 199 414 3793

Event Password: yQBSwWxe792 

Or join via audio conference at US Toll: +1-415-527-5035

For special accommodations contact Donice Adams at donice.adams@usdoj.gov | 202-815-8732

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April 28

Denim Day

Coordinated by Peace Over Violence (and various other organizations)

On April 28, 2021, millions of people across the world will participate in Denim Day to show support to survivors and educate themselves and others about all forms of sexual violence. Learn how you can participate (and how denim has come to be adopted as a symbol of support for survivors since 1999) at: https://www.denimdayinfo.org/

The Denim Day sexual violence prevention and education campaign is coordinated by the Los Angeles-based organization Peace Over Violence. Learn more at https://www.denimdayinfo.org/letter-from-the-founder.

Categories

Title IX