ASU aims to raise sexual assault awareness

Arizona State University is hosting a variety of educational outreach events during the month of April for Sexual Violence Awareness Month. Nationally, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities about prevention.

The theme for 2016 is “Prevention is possible.” The goal is to help individuals, communities and the private sector understand how everyone can take action to promote safety, respect and equality to stop sexual assault before it happens.

“Throughout the year students, faculty and staff work together to bring attention to this important issue at ASU,” said Michele Grab, ASU executive director of strategic initiatives. “This year we are proud to have students from Devils in the Bedroom, Students for Consent, Sun Devil Movement for Violence Prevention, Panhellenic Council, Undergraduate Student Government, Well Devil Ambassadors, Sun Devil Support Network and many others contribute to Sexual Assault Awareness month programming.”

ASU will host a variety of events, programs and initiatives this month. The ASU community is encouraged to attend and invite friends and community members to these events, including, but not limited to: 

It's Not that Simple - 8 p.m., April 9 and 3 p.m., April 10, Memorial Union Stage, Tempe campus
An interdisciplinary dance theatre performance about sexual violence on college campuses. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1284897844857764/ or https://vimeo.com/150837568.

Denim Day, April 12
Denim Day is a passive educational event to raise awareness about the myths that still surround sexual assault. For more information, visit https://eoss.asu.edu/wellness/Svdenimday.

Take Back the Night, 5-9 p.m., April 14, Hayden Lawn, Tempe campus
Health fair, survivor speak out, march down Mill Avenue. Hosted by EMPACT Trauma Healing Services More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1020557701350091/.

Sexual Assault Response Panel, 5 p.m., April 21, Memorial Union Pima Room (230), Tempe campus
Professionals will gather together in an important conversation over how the university responds to sexual violence here at ASU. The event will host the following panel participants:

• Jodi Preudhomme, Title IX coordinator and special counsel
• Dr. Aaron Krasnow, associate vice president and director of ASU Counseling and ASU Health Services
• Dr. Ronald Hicks, Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Brittany Raygoza, Advocacy and Assistance
• Dr. Karen Moses, director of ASU Wellness
• Chief Michael Thompson, ASU Police
• Jill Rable MSN-Ed, RN, AFN-BC, CPN, SANE Nurse

Sexual violence prevention requires many voices and roles. ASU invites the community to be a part of the solution. Taking action during and beyond SAAM can create the cultural shift necessary to eliminate sexual violence, such as:

• intervening to stop harmful behavior
• promoting and modeling healthy attitudes, behaviors and relationships
• believing and assisting survivors
• promoting prevention and support for survivors through policies and education
• modeling healthy attitudes and relationships in engagement with others
• attend a SAAM program or event to learn more

For full listing of ASU SAAM events visit, eoss.asu.edu/mvp/events, and find resources, support and information about sexual violence by visiting, https://sexualviolenceprevention.asu.edu/. To read more about SAAM visit, www.nsvrc.org/saam/about.