Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is recognized nationally during the month of April. As part of Alpha Chi Omega’s philanthropic mission, our sisters are dedicated to supporting survivors, raising awareness, and educating themselves and others about the prevalence of sexual violence, not just in April but year-round.
This year’s SAAM theme centers on three simple yet powerful actions: Listen. Believe. Support.
events | Resources
Denim Day
April 29
This April marks 27 years of the Denim Day campaign, which is a powerful way to spread the message of violence prevention and activism.
More about Denim Day
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 SAAM. Learn more about the history of Denim Day. Find Alpha Chi Omega Denim Day resources for your awareness campaigns in the SAAM Google Drive.
resources
EDUCATE YOURSELF AND OTHERS
Alpha Chi Omega has many Programs with Purpose relating to SAAM. Check out the newest program, Showing Up for Survivors and Ourselves. This program aims to teach and empower participants to respond to disclosures of sexual assault with empathy and clarity, recognize the importance of boundaries and practice self-care while engaging in sexual assault awareness and prevention efforts.
Interested in bringing other SAAM educational opportunities to your chapter or community? Check out the full directory of Programs with Purpose on the Alpha Chi Omega Resource Center.
create an impactful philanthropy event incorporating sexual assault awareness
This two-page resource helps our members plan and execute an impactful philanthropy event to educate others about the effect of sexual assault and encourage ongoing awareness. Whether the goal of an event is to raise awareness or funds or to support survivors, this resource provides essential questions and considerations to ensure your event is meaningful and effective.
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 and how to “TALK” about sexual violence.
show up to help survivors heal
Our partners at RAINN also use the acronym H.E.A.L. as a grounding reminder of what meaningful support can look like. It encourages you to share resources, become trauma-informed, advocate and listen. Learn more about H.E.A.L. and the practical ways you can show up with care and consistency for survivors.
Alpha Chi Omega has additional resources for 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. We have many assets for our members to use in the SAAM Google Drive!
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Origins of Denim Day
Sexual Assault Awareness Instagram Story
Sexual Assault Awareness Facebook or LinkedIn graphic
SAAM Bystander Intervention
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!