April is always a busy time of the year – from spring sports to final exams and graduation, Clemson’s campus is a bustling, energizing and engaging place.
Among the spring events taking place, many raise awareness on the important topic of interpersonal violence. This is because April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time when many campus and community partners come together to generate awareness through programs, events and resources.
With representation from the Office of Student Support and Empowerment (Interpersonal Violence Response), Office of Access and Equity (Interpersonal Violence Prevention), Clemson University Police Department, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Healthy Campus, It’s On Us, Pickens County Advocacy Center and Safe Harbor, the SAAM committee has planned events to engage the campus community all month long.
SAAM committee members hope the outcomes of these events will positively impact students’ lives beyond the month of April. As Bat’sé Smart, one of Clemson’s interpersonal violence response coordinators, states, “Sexual Assault Awareness Month is more than just a month. Raising awareness, allyship and advocacy should be a lifestyle and ongoing. However, this month, we hope to model what showing up for those impacted by sexual violence can look like and initiate more conversations about healthy relationships. I hope our Clemson community shows up this month and beyond and continues to rally to end sexual violence. That is the ultimate goal!”
SAAM events kick off Friday, April 7 with YesFest!, an event in the Hendrix Student Center dedicated to learning about healthy relationships through engaging activities and resources on interpersonal violence.
A panel discussion and vigil are just some of the other SAAM events happening this month:
Lost in Translation: Back to the Basics, a panel discussion hosted by Interpersonal Violence Response, will take place on the evening of April 17. The panel, made up of representatives from campus and community partners, will discuss and answer questions about laws, rights and services available to those impacted by sexual violence/abuse, including resources for non-US citizens.
Interpersonal Violence Prevention, in collaboration with It’s On Us, will host a vigil on April 21 in the Outdoor Amphitheater. The vigil will include speeches and creative performances in honor of victims and survivors of sexual violence.
The entire campus community is encouraged to wear denim on April 26 for Denim Day. Wear denim on this day to show support for survivors and raise awareness that there is no excuse for sexual assault.
A list of all April SAAM events is below. Check out TigerQuest and the University Calendar for more information about each event.
YesFest!
April 7 from 12-5 p.m.
Meeting Rooms A&B in Hendrix Student Center
Hosted by the SAAM committee
“Just Another Assault”
April 11 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
David Peebles Room in Hendrix Student Center
Hosted by Fraternity and Sorority Life
“Stop Sending That Pic”
April 11 at 8 p.m.
David Peebles Room in Hendrix Student Center
Hosted by Fraternity and Sorority Life
Understanding the Process
April 13 from 6-8 p.m.
Almeda Jacks Ballrooms in Hendrix Student Center
Hosted by Clemson University Police Department
Lost in Translation: Back to the Basics
April 17 from 5-6:15 p.m.
Watt Center, Room 208
Hosted by Interpersonal Violence Response
The Clothesline Project
April 17 from 6-7 p.m.
Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, Room 216
Hosted by It’s On Us
SAAM Vigil
April 21 from 5-6 p.m.
Outdoor Amphitheater
Hosted by Interpersonal Violence Prevention and It’s On Us
Denim Day
April 26 Wear denim to raise awareness and show support for survivors of sexual assault