Sexual Assault Awareness Month is observed every April at Sonoma State University and is devoted to raising community awareness about sexual violence and prevention through special events. Sonoma State's peer education organization, Student Advocates for Education, will be hosting many activities for Sexual Assault Awareness Month in conjunction with local organizations.
Among the scheduled Sexual Assault Awareness Month events are:
The Clothesline Project/These Hands Won't Hurt, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., April 3, Stevenson Quad
A visual display of t-shirts to honor and support survivors of sexual violence. Participants will have the opportunity to make a shirt to add to the display. The Clothesline Project will also serve as a place to get educational information and find sexual assault prevention resources.
"These Hands Won't Hurt" is a program in which participants pledge against taking part in physical violence. Attendees can stamp their painted handprint on a banner as a statement against sexual violence.
SSU Denim Day, 11 a.m.-1p.m., April 10, Stevenson Quad
Denim Day participants will wear denim this day in order to protest an international protest of an Italian High Court ruling which overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing jeans. The justices opined that since jeans are "not easily removed without cooperation", and "impossible to take off if someone is resisting", the victim must have been complicit in her assault. Attendees are encouraged to wear jeans and denim to make a statement about this ruling.
Take Back the Night, 7 p.m., April 25, The Cooperage
Take Back the Night is dedicated to raising awareness about sexual assault and creating a supportive environment for expression and empowerment. On this night the community is encouraged to come together to break the silence and honor those who have survived sexual violence. The event incorporates an opportunity for speeches as well as a march around campus.
For more information about Sexual Assault Awareness Month, please contact SAFE at (707) 664-2217 or e-mail safe@sonoma.edu. All SAAM events will be held in collaboration with United Against Sexual Assault, the YWCA, Victims Assistance, and Associated Students Productions.
