Sexual Assault Awareness Month (#SAAM 2024)

April 2024 is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (#SAAM2024) in the U.S. SAAM is intended to raise awareness about sexual assault, educate our community about prevention, and cultivate support of victims and survivors. The national theme of SAAM 2024 is Building Connected Communities. This April we call on all Wildcats to help build a strong, connected community that promotes health, safety and respect.

The consequences of sexual assault are severe and widespread. Sexual assault and misconduct are serious, often criminal, acts which violate University policy, undermine our community values and cause emotional and physical health impacts for victims. Statistics show that over 26% of college females and 7% of males report experiencing sexual assault, and most individuals, across all sexual identities, who experience sexual violence, are harmed by a person they know. Connected communities that take care of one another help to prevent sexual abuse, assault and harassment before they happen.

The University community is encouraged to join together to raise awareness and help prevent sexual assault. Learn about the supports and resources available to victims, find links to hotlines, protective services, events, campus resources and download a Zoom or Teams background on the #SAAM2024 webpage. You can also attend one of the many events happening in support of SAAM including a kickoff event on April 3rd, and a 5k fundraiser on April 27th. If you or someone you know needs support, resources are available for employees on the Office of Institutional Equity employee support website, and for students on the student support website.