Utahns recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Day of Action
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an annual effort to increase public awareness about sexual assault and to educate communities and people on ways to prevent sexual violence.
Each year on the first Tuesday in April, state, territory, tribal and community-based organizations, rape crisis centers, government agencies, businesses, campuses and individuals focus on sexual violence prevention.
The specific day attempts to stop sexual assault, harassment, and abuse before it happens through education.
This year, the University of Utah's Center for Student Wellness has chosen the theme "I Hear You".
"This is an opportunity to recognize and emphasize the importance of listening to and believing survivors while providing resources that exist both on and off campus. Being present for survivors empowers them to seek healing in the manner that they need," Azra Helm and Kinzey Brice with the Center for Student Wellness said.
The Center for Student Wellness will sponsor events to build social connections, educate on how to help survivors in communities, and advocate for change.
Wear teal on April 5 to show your support for survivors of sexual harassment and abuse. Wearing teal sends a message to survivors that you support them and are a safe person to talk to if they need help.
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, you can seek support and find resources here:
- NSVRC maintains a directory of organizations that lists state and territory sexual assault coalitions, victim/survivor support organizations, and local communities of color sexual assault organizations. You can contact your state or territory’s coalition to find local resources that provide services to survivors. You can also find a rape crisis center or sexual assault program near you by searching RALIANCE's directory of local programs.
- The Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN), organizes the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline. The Hotline is a referral service that can put you in contact with your local rape crisis center. You can call the Hotline at 1-800-656-4673, or access RAINN’s online chat service.
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