Sexual Assault Awareness Month enters its third week of observance with more opportunities for the campus community to get involved, including the annual "Take Back the Night" on Thursday, April 21. 

This year will mark the 20th annual "Take Back the Night" event on the U of A campus and will be an evening of solidarity against sexual violence. The entire community of Northwest Arkansas is invited to the Chi Omega Greek Theatre as it will feature a number of guest speakers, a Speak Out and a proclamation from the City of Fayetteville. 

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 RESPECT 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

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 p.m. 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 U of A and first displayed on campus in 2014.  
• Since then, hundreds of exhibits have been displayed around the world and translated into many languages. 
• Dr. 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 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.