Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Week 1
Wear Teal on Day of Action
Tuesday, April 4 | All DayThe first Tuesday of every April is SAAM Day of Action, an opportunity to start the month with highly visible and coordinated actions. Chances are someone in your life is a survivor of sexual harassment, assault, or abuse, even if they have never shared their story with you.
SAAM Day of Action is the perfect opportunity to plan an event, post SAAM-related social media content, or participate in the #30DaysofSAAM Instagram challenge. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center provides a #30DaysofSAAM calendar with prompts for each day. By wearing teal and sharing your photos, you are signaling that you support survivors and are a safe person to talk to if they need to reach out.
Show your support for survivors of sexual harassment and abuse by wearing teal, the color of sexual violence prevention, on Tuesday, April 4, and then post a selfie to Twitter or Instagram using #SAAM2023.
UTSA PD Self-Defense Class
Tuesday, April 4 | 5:50 pmEngage with UTSA PD as they teach participants simple self-defense movements and safety tips to keep themselves safer while in the San Antonio Community. Head on over to this Self-Defense Class that will be held on Tuesday, April 4 in Campus Recreation Center Blue Room (2.210).
Start By Believing Day
Wednesday, April 5 | 11:00 amTake a few minutes to visit the PEACE Center at the Start by Believing table on Wednesday, April 5 in the SU Rowdy Lawn to make a pledge that you will “Start by Believing” when a survivor of sexual violence discloses to you. Pledges will be posted on display cards to show support to individuals affected by sexual violence. Enjoy yummy treats and swag and learn how you can Start by Believing.
Sex Talk 2.0
Wednesday, April 5 | Times VarySex Talk 2.0 is a safe space for students to ask questions about sex as it relates to their personal health and wellbeing. On Wednesday, April 5, join Wellbeing Services in the Retama Auditorium. There will be a panel of experts to ask your most daring sex questions, along with a resource fair that follows with community and campus partners.
What Were You Wearing? Opening Reception
Friday, April 7 | 2:00-4:00 pmThe Peace Center invites the UTSA community to the opening reception of the What Were You Wearing? exhibit on Friday, April 7 at Gallery 23 in the Student Union. Take your time to read the personal stories of individuals who have been affected by sexual violence and enjoy refreshments.
Content Warning: The exhibit contains triggering content related to incidents of sexual violence. Please practice self-care and reach out to the Peace Center at (210) 458-4077, as needed.
Week 2
Behaviors and Boundaries Lunch and Learn
Monday, April 10 | 11:30 - 1:00 pmThe Peace Center and Wellbeing Services will host this informative and interactive Lunch and Learn focused on behaviors that can lead to sexual violence, dating/domestic violence, and stalking and why it is necessary to have boundaries. The lunch will be on Monday, April 10 in the HEB Student Union Hidalgo Room. Registration is required – limited to 35 people.
RAINN Day
Wednesday, April 12 | 12:00 pmThe Peace Center is encouraging the Roadrunner community to get involved in RAINN Day by hosting their own RAINN Day event on campus. Stop by our display on Wednesday, April 12 in the SU Rowdy Lawn (or SU Window Lounge if it rains) to decorate an umbrella panel with encouraging words for individuals affected by sexual violence. Check out decorated umbrellas from previous years for inspiration and talk to staff about becoming more involved in sexual violence issues on campus. Enjoy free giveaways and treats!
Green Dot Bystander Overview
This 90-minute interactive overview introduces the basic elements of Green Dot and the issues of power-based personal violence prevention. The PEACE Center is offering two opportunities to attend this virtual training. Participants will learn to recognize behaviors that constitute red dots, reduce the possibility of red dots happening by introducing green dot interventions, recognize personal barriers preventing intervention, and learn how to be proactive to establish a culture that is intolerant of violence on campus.
Brought to Light
Friday, April 14 | 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Survivors FSA is hosting a workshop for SAAM in ART 2.02.16 on Friday, April 14. Participants will use paper stencils, transparencies, and drawing tools to create cyanotype compositions that either empower them on their survivor journey or support survivors. Cyanotype is an exciting medium that involves developing an image onto fabric using sunlight! All workshop materials will be provided. Spots are limited; registration is required.
Week 3
Denim Day Jean Decorating
Wednesday, April 19Let’s decorate jeans for Denim Day! Take a few minutes out of your day to stop by the SU Oak RM (2.01.20) on Wednesday, April 19 to decorate jeans with supportive messages for individuals affected by sexual violence. All supplies will be provided. Denim Day is always held on the last Wednesday in the month of April.
Week 4
UTSA PD Self-Defense Class
Tuesday, April 25 | 5:50 pmEngage with UTSA PD as they teach participants simple self-defense movements and safety tips to keep themselves safer while in the San Antonio Community. Head on over to this Self-Defense Class that will be held on Tuesday, April 25 in Campus Recreation Center Blue Room (2.210).
Denim Day
Wednesday, April 26 | 12:00 pmWear jeans or denim to honor survivors of sexual violence on Denim Day, the last Wednesday of April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Walk over to the SU Rowdy Lawn on Wednesday, April 26 to take a photo at the Demin Day backdrop, grab some treats, and get your Denim Day swag. Attendees will learn about Denim Day and the importance of supporting survivors of sexual violence.
Green Dot Bystander Overview
This 90-minute interactive overview introduces the basic elements of Green Dot and the issues of power-based personal violence prevention. The PEACE Center is offering two opportunities to attend this virtual training. Participants will learn to recognize behaviors that constitute red dots, reduce the possibility of red dots happening by introducing green dot interventions, recognize personal barriers preventing intervention, and learn how to be proactive to establish a culture that is intolerant of violence on campus.
Throughout April
What Were You Wearing Exhibit
April 3 - April 28Walk over to the Student Union to view the What Were You Wearing? exhibit on display from Monday, April 3 through Friday, April 28 at Gallery 23 in the Student Union. When sexual violence occurs, the first question many victims are asked is, “What were you wearing?” This exhibit challenges the myth that sexual violence occurs because of the clothing someone is wearing. Sexual violence can occur no matter what a person is wearing.
Restorative Yoga
April 10 - April 14, times vary
Take some time this April to connect your mind and restore your body by attending Restorative Yoga in the Campus Rec. These sessions focus on an individual’s own experiences, building a safe practice to work on their present health and wellness using the body’s beautiful capacity to heal from the inside out. This class is helpful for anyone experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic pain, physical injury, PTSD, or trauma. No registration is required.
Wellbeing Wednesdays
Wednesdays | 1:00 pmJoin the Wellbeing Services team each Wednesday in April under the MH Portico to learn about the importance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Each week there will be a theme and information relating to SAAM such as Start by Believing, RAINN, Teal Ribbon, and Denim Days. There will be fantastic information and resources as well as giveaways!
