Tenth Anniversary of 'What Were You Wearing?' Highlights SAAM Events

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The month of April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a collective time to raise awareness and educate about sexual violence.

The University of Arkansas actively participates with SAAM through the provision of varied events and opportunities for the campus community that will be held throughout the month.

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. An event calendar can be found at saam.uark.edu. 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). 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.

The Campus Collaborative Against Sexual Assault partners include: SRVC (Sexual and Relationship Violence Center), Title IX, Office of Student Accountability, SEAR (Substance Education, Assessment, and Recovery), ASG (Associated Student Government), GPSC (Graduate and Professional Student Congress), Greek Life, Multicultural Center, OEOC (Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance), CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services), University Programs, University Housing, UA Cares, UAPD (University Police), and new campus partners added as identified. If a university department or student group is interested in joining the Collaborative, please reach out to respect@uark.edu.

SAAM 2024 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The University of Arkansas Libraries will display a sampling of materials that address sexual assault. All are encouraged to learn more about addressing sexual assault, in recognition of SAAM during April and throughout the year.

Tuesday, April 2 – SAAM 2024 Campus Kickoff

• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Union Mall)
• Come learn about campus and local community resources while we kick off a month of awareness about sexual assault. 

Wednesday, April 10 - Awareness to Action: Advances in Sexual Violence Research

• 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. (Waterman Hall 240)
• Panel discussion with U of A faculty engaged in research within the scope of sexual violence. 
• Panel members to include Dr. Jackie Mosley, Dr. Shristi Bhochhibhoya, Dr. Lindsay S. Ham, Dr. Christopher A. Shields, and Dr. Lauren Copley. 
• A meet and greet reception, sponsored by the Sexual and Relationship Violence Center, will immediately follow with an opportunity to further discuss faculty research, student engagement opportunities, and more.

Tuesday, April 16 – Together We Move

• 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Union Mall)
• An event of solidarity to raise awareness about sexual assault. 
• Participants will walk, run, or engage in any form of movement and log miles through GivePulse to show support for victims and survivors. 
• As a demonstration of unity, the event emphasizes the need for everyone to contribute to ending sexual violence.

Monday, April 22 – Thursday, April 25 - What Were You Wearing? 10th Anniversary

• Arkansas Union Connections Lounge (All Day)
• Come see the exhibit that began a world phenomenon. 
• On this 10th anniversary of WWYW, the original exhibit created at the U of A will be displayed as it silently dispels age old, victim-blaming myths about sexual assault. 

Wednesday, April 24 – Denim Day

• Across campus (All Day) 
• On this day, students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to wear denim as part of an international event held on the last Wednesday of April to stand in solidarity with victims/survivors of sexual assault. 
• Read more about the start of denim day at denimday.org
• Pick up a button at the Sexual and Relationship Violence Center (SRVC) to wear on Denim Day (SRVC hours: M-F, 8am-noon or 1pm-5pm).
• A Denim Day Fashion show, coordinated by University Programs, will be held in the Verizon Ballroom at 7:30PM. 

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 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 and Economic Development News.