Each year, April is dedicated to raising awareness about sexual assault and all forms of gender-based violence, including stalking and domestic violence. To increase awareness about this issue, prevent future crimes, and aid victims, SPU participates in Natio nal Sexual Assault Awareness Month as part of this national campaign. This year the Office of Safety and Security has a special emphasis on how you can engage in this topic virtually.
Ways to engage
These topics can seem intimidating but we encourage each person to engage with them in whatever format they feel most comfortable. Below we have listed some ideas, such as reading an article or book on sexual violence, participating in a virtual Denim Day, or taking our online Preventing Gender-Based Violence training through Canvas.
- Weekly Email Bulletins — The Office of Safety and Security will be sending out informative bulletins about SAAM topics every week during April. Look for our emails and find out more reasons why sexual assault is a community matter.
- April 6 “Day of Action” — Show your support for survivors of sexual harassment and abuse by wearing teal — the color of sexual violence prevention — on April 6 and post a selfie to Twitter or Instagram using #SAAM2021. Participate in the #30DaysofSAAM on Instagram Challenge.
- Book Display — The Ames Library has created a library guide that serves as a virtual display of book titles and available e-books related to gender-based violence issues. Find it at spu.libguides.com/SAAM.
- Clothesline Project — April 5–30, in Martin Square, you’ll see T-shirts designed by SPU students that serve as a way to educate and unite the community against issues of sexual assault and gender-based violence.
- Watch a Webinar — Learn about the Neurobiology of Sexual Assault and the effect trauma has on victim behavior, presented by Rebecca Campbell, PhD, professor of psychology at Michigan State University.
- RAINN Day on April 8 — RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673),or hotline.rainn.org/online. RAINN Day is an opportunity for college students to demonstrate to their peers that they are an ally in the fight against sexual violence. Join the conversation online with the hashtags #RAINNDay and #WontStayQuiet.
- National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 18–24 — The Office for Victims of Crime supports communities throughout the country in their annual observances of NCVRW. This year’s theme, “Support Victims. Build Trust. Engage Communities,” emphasizes the importance of leveraging community support to help victims of crime. Visit ovc.ojp.gov/program/national-crime-victims-rights-week/overview.
- Denim Day on April 28 — A nationally recognized day in which people are encouraged to wear jeans (denim) in order to protest the misconceptions that surround sexual assault. This annual day of awareness encourages participants to wear jeans or other denim clothing as symbols of believing survivors and not blaming them for sexual assault based on what they were wearing at the time. Read more about Denim Day at denimdayinfo.org/about.
- Preventing Gender-Based Violence (in Canvas) — This online training will be made available to all faculty, staff, and students. This program covers important topics such as students’ rights and responsibilities; preventing sexual violence, dating violence, stalking, and harassment; sensitivity regarding victim/survivor experience; and promoting a healthy culture and mindset that prevents these crimes from occurring. Contact SAFE@volamdolong.com to register or log into Canvas to access the class.
- Seek help — If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence and needs support or access to resources, contact 800-656-HOPE (or 800-656-4673) to be connected with the National Sexual Assault Hotline. If you are not able to contact a resource yourself, reach out to a trusted person who can help you get safe or who can provide you with emotional support. And if you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or, if you are on campus, call the Office of Safety and Security at 206-281-2911. You can also request a safety planning consultation with trauma-informed OSS investigators by emailing SAFE@volamdolong.com.
- Report on-campus sex discrimination and other sexual misconduct — All members of the SPU community are encouraged to report instances of possible sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other sexual misconduct as soon as possible. Reports alleging sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other sexual misconduct on Seattle Pacific University’s campus, by an SPU student or employee, or in SPU’s programs or activities should be made to the University’s Title IX Coordinator, a sexual misconduct report receiver or anonymously by using the SPU Online Reporting Form. You can learn more about how SPU responds to reports of sexual misconduct at volamdolong.com/diversity/nondiscrimination-title-ix-oie/responding-to-reports.
Seattle Pacific University is committed to maintaining a safe environment free of gender-based violence. SPU prohibits all forms of gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault, and SPU wants to support healthy relationships for its students and employees. We are hopeful that this is the first of many conversations that will include all interested individuals and strengthen community safety.
If you would like to learn more about on campus resources and support, contact SAFE@volamdolong.com. If you would like to speak with a confidential mental health counselor, call the Student Counseling Center at 206-281-2657 to make an appointment.