Recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month on campus
The month of April is annually observed as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Before SAAM was officially declared in 2001 by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, activists held campaigns, protests, marches, and other events related to sexual assault and violence throughout April. Sexual assault is a challenging topic, but it is crucial for us to discuss these public health issues. It is even more important for us to show our support for sexual assault victims whose stories have never been shared.
Sexual Assault Awareness and prevention dates all the way back to the 1860s. Following the Civil War, an event known as the Memphis Riots, or the Memphis Massacre, took place in which white residents rampaged through Black neighborhoods, assaulting and murdering black soldiers and civilians. Five women who survived the pillaging testified during an investigation which marked the first testimony of sexual violence in a U.S. trial.
Since then, there have been a multitude of women’s advocates who spent their lives fighting against sexism and violence against women. In 1975, a group of women in London, England protested sexual violence in a campaign they called “Take Back the Night.” It then gained international support, becoming a worldwide movement taking a stand against sexual violence of all forms. Take Back the Night is now a worldwide organization, and has been active in the advocacy of women’s rights since the 1970s. They continue to empower people through marches, seminars, music, activism, and art. They also hold global virtual events where they discuss campus advocacy, working to end sexual violence, personal survivor stories, Title IX, and so much more.
College campuses are usually perceived as a safe space for students. Unfortunately, some perpetrators may take advantage of the safety and security built on these campuses to commit acts of sexual violence. Students according to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), “among undergraduate students, 26.4% of females and 2.5% of males experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation.” Perpetrators often target college freshmen who are adjusting to college life and participating in college parties without possibly knowing many of the commonplace safety procedures or their own limits yet. More needs to be done on college campuses to protect and inform students about sexual assault and consent. Teaching all students the importance of consent can create a healthier environment for students, and schools should also provide a safe support mechanism for students to turn to when they experience sexual assault.
There are multiple events and campaigns that advocate and support victims of sexual assault which help raise awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. If you are interested in getting involved on campus, SUNY Geneseo’s Title IX office will be holding separate events for students to learn more about how to advocate for the safety and wellness of students on campus.
On Sunday, Apr. 21, 2024, Title IX will be collaborating with the ultimate frisbee team to raise awareness for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The Title IX office holds many events on campus for students to attend and educates students about sex, mental health, trauma, relationships, and other health issues. If you are able to attend at least one of these events, please do. It is fundamental for students to educate and advocate for themselves and other students on this campus.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault and require assistance, do not hesitate to call the National Sexual Assault Helpline at +1 (800) 656-4673. The Lamron’s staff stands and supports victims of sexual assault. You are not alone.
Thumbnail photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons