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Sexual Assault Awareness

This guide is designed to supplement campus resources observing Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) during the month of April.
  • Consent is an agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity.
  • Consent is about communication (verbal and nonverbal).
  • Giving consent for one activity, one time does not mean giving consent for increased or recurring sexual contact.
  • You can withdraw consent at any point if you feel uncomfortable: clearly communicate to your partner that you wish to stop.
  • Positive consent can look like
    • "Is this okay?"
    • Explicitly agreeing using affirmative statements: "Yes" or "I'm open to trying."
    • Using physical cues to let the other person know you're comfortable taking things to the next level.
  • Positive consent does NOT look like
    • Refusing to acknowledge "no."
    • Assuming that wearing certain clothes or kissing is an invitation for something more.
    • Someone being under the legal age of consent.
    • Someone being incapacitated by drugs or alcohol.
    • Pressuring someone into sexual activity.
    • Assuming you have permission because you've done it in the past.

Source: Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)

What is Sexual Assault Awareness Month?

Sexual Awareness Month (SAAM) is an annual campaign to raise public awareness about sexual assault and education communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence. It is observed in April.

Each year during the month of April, state, territory, tribal, and community-based organizations, rape crisis centers, government agencies, businesses, campuses, and individuals plan events and activities to highlight sexual violence as a public health, human rights, and social justice issue and reinforce the need for prevention efforts.

Find out more about the annual theme, slogan, and other resources and materials for the national SAAM campaign through the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.

Source: Wikipedia

What to do if...

If you've been sexually assaulted

  • Consider your immediate safety. Call 911 if you believe you're in direct danger. Leave any location or situation that doesn't feel safe. Call a local or national resource center to seek shelter and assistance.
  • Find someone who can help you. This can be a trusted family member or friend. It can also be an advocate from a local crisis center.
  • Seek medical care. You can get treatment for injuries from a clinic, doctor's office, or hospital emergency department. You can seek medical care without reporting what happened to law enforcement.
  • Consider getting a sexual assault examination, or a "rape kit." This preserves potential DNA evidence. In the event you decide that you do want to proceed with official charges, this kit will be invaluable.
  • Write down what you remember. If you decide to report the assault, this information may be helpful to you and police officers.
  • Find mental health support. Your local crisis center can connect you with professionals skilled in this area of support.
  • Figure out your next steps. A sexual assault service provider can help answer any questions you may have. They can also connect you with resources you may need, including legal and medical options.

Source: Healthline