April is sexual assault awareness month, a time to support the survivors of sexual assault and take action to help end sexual violence in our community. Students, faculty and staff can help raise awareness and show their support by participating in the many events and activities happening throughout the month.
Survivor love letters display – April 10-14
In the TLC, there will be an interactive display of letters that students, employees and community members have written to survivors of interpersonal violence. The display will be up all day from April 10-14 and students can interact with and add letters to the display throughout the week.
Women’s Center Crafternoon – April 14
From noon–2 p.m. students can attend the afternoon of crafts at the Women’s Center. Attendees can make a teal bracelet in support of sexual assault survivors and decorate empowerment succulents as another way to support and come together as a community. Snacks and craft materials will be provided.
Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence Training – April 17
A 90-minute training entitled “Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence in a Culturally Responsive Manner” will be happening on April 17 from 9:30–11 a.m. online. University of Idaho staff, faculty and students are invited to attend to learn more about how to handle disclosures of interpersonal violence. Those interested in attending this Zoom training can register online.
Survivors Strength Display – April 17-22
There will be a display in the ISUB, called The Clothesline Project, in which shirts made by survivors and allies will be hung as a visual display to draw attention to interpersonal violence statistics that often go ignored. The display can be viewed from April 17-22 and is meant to support survivors in our community and bring awareness to the issue of interpersonal violence.
Denim Day – April 26
Everyone in the UI community can wear denim on April 26 to show solidarity with survivors and take a stand against victim blaming. This campaign originated in Italy, when the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because they felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped the rapist remove them, implying consent. In response, the women in the Italian parliament came to work wearing jeans in support of the victim. The UI community can show their support by wearing denim as well. There will be tabling with more information in the ISUB Plaza from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Breaking Silence Event – April 27
Community members and UI students alike are invited to this event where survivors and allies can share their stories anonymously in a supportive setting. Sponsored by Lamba Theta Alpha, the Violence prevention programs and Alternative to Violence on the Palouse, the event is taking place in the Shattuck Amphitheater from 6-7 p.m. Confidential support people will be present, and all are welcome to come and share their story in a safe and respectful community.
Green Dot Training – April 29
From 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Albertson Building, students are invited to attend this Green Dot Bystander Intervention Training. Attendees will learn techniques to assess and intervene in risky situations and will be given the tools needed to empower bystanders and reduce interpersonal violence in our community. Registration is required and those interested can register online at the UI website.
Grace Giger can be reached at [email protected]
Linda Mittelhammer
It looks like the University of Idaho has a great line up of activities for SAAM Month.