April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to support survivors of sexual assault and take action to 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. Check out this list of events happening on campus to show your support!
Green Dot Training
On Saturday, April 6, UI students, faculty and staff can attend a Green Dot bystander awareness training happening from 9-12:30 p.m. In this Zoom 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.
Survivor Love Letters Display
From April 8-12, there will be a Survivor Love Letters Display at the TLC free Speech chalkboards. The display will feature letters that students, employees and community members have written to survivors of interpersonal violence and sexual assault. Students can interact with and add to the display all week.
“Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence in a Culturally Responsive Manner”
A 90-minute training titled “Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence in a Culturally Responsive Manner” will be happening on April 11 from 9:30-11 a.m. online. University of Idaho staff, faculty and students are invited to learn more about how to handle disclosures of interpersonal violence. Those interested in attending this Zoom training can register online.
Friday Crafternoon
On Friday, April 12, the Women’s Center will be hosting a special Friday Crafternoon from 12:30-2:30 p.m. in Memorial Gym Room 109. Attendees can make a teal bracelet and decorate support succulents to show their support for survivors. Refreshments will be provided and all materials are free.
Denim Day
Everyone in the UI community is encouraged to wear denim on April 24 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., as well as a campus photo at noon!
Breaking Silence
Community members and UI students alike are invited to the Breaking Silence 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 Ag Sci Building Room 106 or online starting at 6 p.m. Confidential support members will be present, and all are welcome to come and share their story in a safe and respectful community. After stories are shared, there will also be a panel of experts who will speak about the dynamics of these issues and explain how to get support in our community.
For more information and a full schedule of events, check out the UI Sexual Assault Awareness website. For more resources and support for survivors, visit the National Sexual Violence Resource Center website.
Grace Giger can be reached at [email protected]