FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas is kicking off its observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month this week and encouraging the campus community to wear teal colors as a show of support.

Teal is the official color of sexual violence prevention and the U of A Title IX office along with the campus Sexual and Relationship Violence Center and other campus entities have joined together to raise public awareness and educate the community about sexual violence.

NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION – APRIL 5

The first Tuesday of April is considered National Day of Action and students are cordially invited to the Title IX information table in the Arkansas Union food court throughout the day. Students can enter prize drawings and learn more about Title IX’s services as well as other events that are scheduled for this month.

CAMPUS WEEK OF ACTION – APRIL 5-12

Sexual violence is often part of domestic violence. This year, the campus Sexual and Relationship Violence Center (SRVC) is turning National Day of Action into a Campus Week of Action.

The community is asked to donate toiletry items to local domestic violence shelter, Peace at Home, for those in need. Donated items can be dropped off at the SRVC, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Needed donations include:

• Baby/Children’s Products (shampoos, de-tangling spray, brushes, bows, diaper rash cream);
• Adult Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash (full sized bottles only, please);
• Products for curly and coily hair;
• Hair styling products (hair spray, mousse, etc.)
• Makeup (for all skin tones)

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.

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 3% of 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.