FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Sexual harassment, assault, and abuse can happen anywhere and it impacts everyone. 

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and the University of Arkansas, will be hosting a variety of campus events to raise public awareness and educate the campus community about sexual violence. This is the 23rd-straight year that the U of A has observed Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

It is estimated that 1 in 5 women in the United States has experienced sexual assault in their lifetime and nearly a quarter of men in the U.S. has experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, almost one in four undergraduate women experienced sexual assault or sexual misconduct at 33 of the nation’s major universities.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an opportunity to renew our commitment against sexual violence. It affords the chance to remind us that the university strongly condemns and has serious policies to address sexual violence, educational training programs for students, faculty and staff, as well as processes for reporting and investigating incidents of sexual violence. The university also provides resources of support and advocacy for victims and survivors.

We encourage all to unite and participate in Sexual Assault Awareness Month events throughout April. Each week, a complete list of events will be featured in the daily Arkansas News email and on news.uark.edu. Events may also be found on the campus SAAM calendar and the Title IX Outreach Initiative page. Please note that some of these events contain sensitive information regarding sexual and relationship violence.

As SAAM events unfold, the university truly wishes wellness for the entire community. The university recognizes that individuals who have experienced sexual violence are at different points in their healing processes. So, for anyone who may personally struggle as SAAM events receive heightened attention, a reminder that confidential campus support resources include the Sexual and Relationship Violence Center and CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services), both of the Pat Walker Health Center. Assistance may also be sought through U of A Cares and the Title IX Office.

As a reminder, incidents of sexual harassment, misconduct, assault and discrimination may be reported through report.uark.edu.

SAAM 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

National Day of Action – T.E.A.L. Tuesday
Tuesday, April 5 – All Day

• The first Tuesday of April is the considered the National Day of Action.
• Members of the campus community are encouraged to wear teal colors throughout the day as a show of support for victims of sexual assault and sexual violence.
• The U or A Title IX Office cordially invites students to please stop by its information table in the Arkansas Union at the food court to enter a drawing for student prize giveaways and learn about its services. 
• Teal is the official color of sexual violence prevention.
• T.E.A.L. stands for Togetherness, Empowerment, Advocacy, and Learning

Campus Week of Action
Tuesday, April 5 – Tuesday, April 12

• Sexual violence is often a part of domestic violence. 
• This year, the Campus Sexual and Relationship Violence Center (SRVC) is turning the National Day of Action into a Campus Week of Action (April 5-12). 
• Toiletry items are being collected and donated to Peace at Home, a local domestic violence shelter.
• Donated items may be dropped off at the SRVC,  Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.     
  Needed donations include:

o   Baby/Children’s Products (shampoos, de-tangling spray, brushes, bows, diaper rash cream);

o   Adult Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash (full sized bottles only, please);

o   Products for curly and coily hair;

o   Hair styling products (hair spray, mousse, etc.)

o   Makeup (for all skin tones)

Cover the Cruiser
Wednesday, April 6, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Union Mall)

• Help us kick off Sexual Assault Awareness month and cover the police cruiser with pledges of support for survivors and speaking out against sexual violence. Outreach tables, button making, and more. 

T.E.A.L. Coffee Chat
Thursday, April 7, from 2-4 p.m. (Sexual and Relationship Violence Center)

• As part of an ongoing series, this Coffee Chat will focus on “togetherness” and addressing sexual violence within diverse communities. Come have a cup of coffee or tea and join the conversation.

Consent Culture
Monday, April 11, from 5-6:30 p.m. (Arkansas Union Ballroom)

• A focused discussion about consent culture with fraternity men.

Brunch with Title IX – Title IX Tuesday
Tuesday, April 12, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Arkansas Union Room 512-514)

• The U of A Title IX Office will be providing brunch for members of the campus community.
• Sexual Assault Awareness Month materials will be on hand.
• Reservation is required. Register HERE

“The Bystander Moment” Film Premiere
Tuesday, April 12, from 6-8 p.m. (Pat Walker Health Center Classrooms)

• The latest featured film by renowned anti-violence educator Jackson Katz will be premiered on campus. 
• The film The Bystander Moment – Transforming Rape Culture at its Roots explores the role played by bystanders, especially friends, teammates, classmates, and co-workers, in perpetuating sexual harassment and other forms of sexual violence. 
• Discussion will follow with SRVC staff, RESPECT peer educators, and graduate student researcher Eric Schisler.

T.E.A.L. Coffee Chat
Wednesday, April 13, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Sexual and Relationship Violence Center)

• As part of an ongoing series, this Coffee Chat will focus on “empowerment” through discussion with Eric Schisler, a graduate student researching bystander intervention within gyms. 
• Join conversation and coffee or tea while talking about what bystanders can do when witnessing sexual harassment within a gym setting as well as other settings.

Title IX Presents – Virtual RAINN Day Panel
Wednesday, April 13, from 3-4 p.m. via Zoom

• The U of A Title IX office will be hosting a “Virtual RAINN Day Panel,” on RAINN Day, 
• This panel will tentatively be comprised of two sexual assault survivors from the RAINN Speakers Bureau.
• RAINN Day is an annual day of awareness and action for sexual violence held on college campuses around the U.S. 
• RAINN is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. More information is available at www.rainn.org.
• Registration is required. SIGN UP HERE

Red Flags, Green Flags
Wednesday, April 13, from 6-8 p.m. (Pat Walker Health Center Classrooms)

• Learn about healthy relationships and “red flags” of potentially unhealthy and harmful relationships. This interactive presentation is for students by students.

Moon Salute
Thursday, April 14, beginning at 9 p.m. (Old Main Lawn)

• A moon salutation helps calm the nervous system and prepare the body for rest. 
• Join Ed Mink for a group moon salute on the lawn of Old Main as a calming exercise in the midst of a month of awareness dedicated toward sexual violence.  
• Please bring your own mat (or towel if you do not have a mat).

T.E.A.L. Coffee Chat
Monday, April 18, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Sexual and Relationship Violence Center)

• As part of an ongoing series, this Coffee Chat will focus on “advocacy” through conversation with Legal Aid attorney Lindsey Schmeidler who will address victims’ legal rights.  
• Weekly, the Sexual and Relationship Violence Center and Legal Aid of Arkansas provide an onsite Legal and Victim Advocacy Service every Thursday from 1-4 at the SRVC.

Coloring with Title IX – Title IX Tuesday
Tuesday, April 19, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Arkansas Union Info Table Food Court)

• Coloring kits will be available for members of the campus community consisting of four SAAM coloring pages and crayons.
• Coloring, even for adults, is a good way to occupy free time, engage artistic skills, practice self-care and engage with others.

20th Annual ‘Take Back the Night’
Thursday, April 21, at 7 p.m. (Chi Omega Greek Theater)

• Join us for an evening of solidarity against sexual violence.
• This year’s Take Back the Night will feature a proclamation from the City of Fayetteville, a Speak Out and other guest speakers.
• This event is open to all of Northwest Arkansas.

T.E.A.L. Coffee Chat
Monday, April 25, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Sexual and Relationship Violence Center)

• As part of an ongoing series, this Coffee Chat will focus on “learning” of the history of a global phenomenon known as “What Were You Wearing? Survivor Art Installation.”
• The exhibit was created at the University of Arkansas and first displayed on campus in 2014.  
• Since then, hundreds of exhibits have been displayed around the world and translated into many languages. 
• Mary A. Wyandt-Hiebert, co-creator of “What Were You Wearing” will share its history and significance through a question and answer conversation of tea (and coffee of course).

What Were You Wearing? Survivor Art Installation
Monday, April 25, through Thursday, April 28 (Union Connections Lounge)

• The impactful exhibit that brings striking truth to debunking the popular myth surrounding clothing and sexual assault. 
• The exhibit was created by staff of the Sexual and Relationship Violence Center and first displayed on campus in April 2014. 

Resource Fair – Title IX Tuesday
Tuesday, April 26, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Arkansas Union Rooms 512-514)

• The U of A Title IX Office will be hosting a Resource Fair for members of the campus community. 
• Resources from Equal Opportunity, Compliance & Title IX, Arkansas Employee Assistance Program, Sexual and Relationship Violence Center (SRVC), NWA Center for Sexual Assault and U of A Cares will be available.

Denim Day
Wednesday, April 27, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Union Connections Lounge)

• Denim Day takes place on the last Wednesday of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
• This day of action and awareness is an event in which people are encouraged to wear denim to combat victim blaming and educate others about sexual violence. 

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the top few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.