Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) has been recognized officially for 23 years, but the movement to end sexual violence has existed far longer. Some of the earliest advocacy can be traced back to the 1950s, as the civil rights era began conversations and movements across the country for social change and equality. While issues of domestic violence and sexual assault were still limited at the time, activists began addressing these topics, and advocacy for change was on the horizon. By the early 1970s, the first rape crisis center was founded, emphasizing support for survivors and giving momentum to awareness initiatives. Since then, events like Take Back the Night and national legislation such as the Violence Against Women Act have further mobilized awareness and prevention efforts.
As part of Alpha Chi Omega’s philanthropic mission, our sisters remain dedicated to supporting survivors, raising awareness, and educating themselves and others about the prevalence of sexual violence, not just in April but year-round.
Each week of April, we will explore different topics relating to SAAM.
WEEK OF APRIL 1-7: RAISING AWARENESS
WEEK OF APRIL 8-14: SUPPORTING SURVIVORS
WEEK OF APRIL 15-21: TAKING ACTION
WEEK OF APRIL 22-28: REFLECTION AND REMEMBRANCE
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
LEARN HOW TO “TALK” WITH A LOVED ONE ABOUT SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Often, people want to help survivors but might not know where to start. Whether someone in your life has disclosed a sexual assault to you or you just want to be prepared, take the time this month to learn about survivor response.
EDUCATE YOURSELF AND OTHERS
Alpha Chi Omega has many Programs with Purpose relating to SAAM. Check out the following opportunities to learn more about the history of the month, how to support survivors or how to challenge bystander behaviors.
MEMBERS CAN ACCESS THE FOLLOWING Alpha Chi Omega RESOURCES IN THE RESOURCE CENTER:
- Full list of Programs with Purpose about domestic violence and sexual assault prevention
Learn how to support a survivor in your life and in your community. You can also utilize the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE, online.rainn.org and rainn.org/es), which will connect you with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
AMPLIFY YOUR ACTION
Social media can be a great way to advocate during SAAM! Take advantage of your social network to promote awareness and prevention efforts. There are many assets provided to our members to use in the SAAM Google Drive.
Sexual Assault Awareness Bystander Guide
Denim Day 25 year anniversary graphic
Sexual Assault Awareness Reflections IG Story Graphic
Sexual Assault Awareness Facebook or LinkedIn graphic
PARTICIPATE IN DENIM DAY
WEAR DENIM ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24!
This April 24 marks 25 years of the Denim Day campaign, which is a powerful way to spread the message of violence prevention and activism. Denim Day started after the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because the justices felt that since the survivor was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped her rapist remove them, thereby implying consent. Since then, wearing jeans on Denim Day around the world has become a symbol of protest against flawed and destructive attitudes about sexual assault and a way to raise awareness during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Learn more about the history of Denim Day.
UPLOAD YOUR SAAM AND DENIM DAY PHOTOS
Throughout the month, don’t forget to tag Alpha Chi Omega headquarters (@AlphaChiOmegaHQ) and share your unedited photos and videos for the opportunity to be featured on social media!