Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is recognized nationally during the month of April. As part of Alpha Chi Omega’s philanthropic mission, our sisters remain dedicated to supporting survivors, raising awareness, and educating themselves and others about the prevalence of sexual violence, not just in April but year-round.
events | Resources
Alpha Chi Omega presents: From Hurt to Healing: Katie Koestner’s Personal Story
April 14
In honor of SAAM, join us for an inspiring and educational evening with Katie Koestner, a nationally recognized expert, educator and author.Join Alpha Chi Omega for this powerful and educational keynote on Monday, April 14 from 8-9 p.m. EDT / 7-8 p.m. CDT / 6-7 p.m. MDT / 5-6 p.m. PDT. Registration is required; access here!
More about Katie Koestner’s Personal Story
Katie made history as the first woman to publicly speak out about being a survivor of date rape, and she has shared her powerful story with more than 5 million people. Her keynote will address topics like sexual assault, respect, consent, healthy decision-making and becoming active bystanders.
Denim Day
April 30
This April marks 26 years of the Denim Day campaign, which is a powerful way to spread the message of violence prevention and activism. Denim Day has become a symbol of protest against flawed and destructive attitudes about sexual assault and a way to raise awareness during SAAM.
More about Denim Day
Denim Day started after the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because the justices felt that since the survivor was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped her rapist remove them, thereby implying consent. Since then, wearing jeans on Denim Day around the world has become a symbol of protest against flawed and destructive attitudes about sexual assault and a way to raise awareness during SAAM.
Educational Opportunities
EDUCATE YOURSELF AND OTHERS
Alpha Chi Omega has many Programs with Purpose relating to SAAM. Check out the newly updated Supporting Survivors program and PowerPoint, which challenges misconceptions around sexual assault and helps participants understand how to respond and support survivors.
Interested in learning more about SAAM? Check out these other Programs with Purpose to learn more about the history of the month and how to challenge bystander behaviors.
MEMBERS CAN ACCESS THE FOLLOWING Alpha Chi Omega RESOURCES IN THE RESOURCE CENTER:
Full list of Programs with Purpose about domestic violence and sexual assault prevention.
create an impactful philanthropy event incorporating sexual assault awareness
This two-page resource helps our members plan and execute an impactful philanthropy event to educate others about the effect of sexual assault and encourage ongoing awareness. Whether the goal of an event is to raise awareness or funds or to support survivors, this resource provides essential questions and considerations to ensure your event is meaningful and effective.
learn how to “talk” with a loved one about sexual violence
Often, people want to help survivors but might not know where to start. Whether someone in your life has disclosed a sexual assault to you or you just want to be prepared, take the time this month to learn about survivor response and how to “TALK” about sexual violence.
Learn how to support a survivor in your life and in your community. You can also utilize the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE, online.rainn.org and rainn.org/es), which will connect you with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
AMPLIFY YOUR ACTION
Social media can be a great way to advocate during SAAM! Take advantage of your social network to promote awareness and prevention efforts. There are many assets provided to our members to use in the SAAM Google Drive.
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Origins of Denim Day
Sexual Assault Awareness Instagram Story
Sexual Assault Awareness Facebook or LinkedIn graphic
SAAM Bystander Intervention
UPLOAD YOUR SAAM AND DENIM DAY PHOTOS
Throughout the month, don’t forget to tag Alpha Chi Omega headquarters (@AlphaChiOmegaHQ) and share your unedited photos and videos for the opportunity to be featured on social media!