April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)
We see you. We believe you. You matter.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month brings people together to create and generate discussion and skill-building on how to prevent sexual violence in our schools, workplaces, and communities. While providing support and care to survivors of sexual violence is an everyday action, this awareness month also carves out intentional moments to honor and believe survivors’ stories and experiences.
For the first time in the few years of this ongoing public health crisis, we are going to be able to physically come together this April to do this critical work. The Women’s Center and all of our campus partners including the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Retriever Integrated Health, Green Dot, and Retriever Courage, and more are passionate about continuing to promote awareness and prevention this month.
And, remember, no matter where you are, dear survivors, we see you. We believe you. You matter. Always.
SAAM Calendar of Events:
Love Quest: Healthy Relationship Fact Find
Mon, April 3rd/ Tues, April 4th, the Commons Main Street 11:30am-1:00pm
We all deserve healthy relationships, but they don’t just happen. You can learn to love better by building your relationship skills, identifying the key characteristics of healthy relationships, and finding resources who can support you! Join the Office of Health Promotion for this healthy relationship fact find. Students can complete the quest anytime between April 3- April 7th. Pick up your quest map at our tables on Monday and Tuesday
Clothesline Project Display and T-Shirt Making
Wed, April 5th: the Commons Main Street 10am-4pm
The Clothesline Project gives voice to the experiences of survivors, victims, family, and friends who have been affected by violence. All are encouraged to attend and participate.Students, faculty, and staff have made t-shirts describing their experience with sexual assault and relationship violence. On Wednesday, April 5th, these t-shirts will be hung shoulder-to-shoulder on a clothesline for public viewing, as if the survivors are there themselves, telling us their stories. Clothesline Project T-shirt making will be available in the Women’s Center throughout the month of April.
We Believe You Discussion Group
Tues, April 11th, Women’s Center Lounge (Commons, #004 next to Dunkin Donuts) 3pm-4pm
The We Believe You Discussion Group creates space to center the experiences of survivors of sexual- and power-based violence. This discussion-based program follows the Women’s Center Brave Space model to provide a welcoming environment and thoughtful community to engage in conversations focused on support and healing for survivors of sexual violence. This group centers the experiences of survivors and their allies;
Office of Healthy Promotions Community Conversations: Consent and Reclaiming Your Body
Wed, April 12th: Women’s Center Lounge (Commons, #004 next to Dunkin Donuts) 12:30pm-1:30pm
A community can be a vital tool to help all of us get through life’s ups and downs and celebrate our big and small moments. Community Conversations is an interactive event that will help students understand the role of community in supporting their well-being and mental health. This conversation will also highlight what it means to “show up” for others.
This Community Conversation will also focus on Sexual Assault Awareness Month and how folks can reclaim their bodies after an assault has occurred.
Take Back The Night 2023
Thursday, April 13th, the Commons Main Street 5pm-9pm
In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Women's Center is proud to revive our once annual, much beloved Take Back the Night. Events and Activities include the Survivor Speak Out, Campus March and Rally, and Community Resource Fair and Craftivism. UMBC students who identify as survivors are invited to speak at the speak-out forum. You can contact the Women's Center for more details, but you do not have to sign up in advance to speak at the forum.
If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please contact the Women's Center at womenscenter@umbc.edu for more details.
Mental Health First Aid Training (Online) (Staff and Faculty)
Fri, April 14th, virtual training 9am-4:30pm
A 1-day skills-based training course designed to teach members of the UMBC community how to: 1) recognize signs of mental health or substance use disorders, 2) identify community resources. 3) link people in crisis to the proper resources. For more information, email mentalhealthfirstaid@umbc.edu
Women of Color Collective, Pod Mapping
Thurs, April 20th, Women’s Center Lounge (Commons, #004 next to Dunking Donuts) 12pm-1pm
"Your pod is made up of the people that you would call on if violence, harm or abuse happened to you; or the people that you would call on if you wanted support in taking accountability for violence, harm or abuse that you’ve done; or if you witnessed violence or if someone you care about was being violent or being abused." Join this WoCC Discussion Group to learn more about Pod Mapping.
We Believe You Discussion Group
Tues, April 25th, Women’s Center Lounge (Commons, #004 next to Dunkin Donuts) 3pm-4pm
The We Believe You Discussion Group creates space to center the experiences of survivors of sexual- and power-based violence. This discussion-based program follows the Women’s Center Brave Space model to provide a welcoming environment and thoughtful community to engage in conversations focused on support and healing for survivors of sexual violence. This group centers the experiences of survivors and their allies;
Bystander Intervention Training
Fri, April 28th, the Commons #331 1pm-5pm
A green dot is any behavior, choice or action that promotes safety for everyone and communicates utter intolerance for sexual violence, dating/domestic violence, and stalking. A green dot is simply your individual choice at any given moment to make our campus safer. Your contribution is necessary. Your voice is powerful. Your commitment is our hope. Together, let’s end some violence. There’s no day like today. No one has to do everything, but everyone has to do something.
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