April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and several activities are planned to raise awareness about the public health impact sexual assault, harassment, and abuse have on individuals, families, communities and society as a whole.
“We all have an important role to play in preventing sexual assault,” said Akeya Carter-Bozman, prevention specialist in the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “The WVU community is invited to engage with the activities planned for this month to learn more about sexual assault and how it can be prevented.”
April 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., WELLWVU: How to be an Active Bystander at Woodburn
Circle
WVU students can work through bystander intervention scenarios, learn about the barriers
to intervention, and earn a free T-shirt. (Rain date is April 7.)
April 5-9, WELLWVU Sexual Assault Awareness Month Flag Display at Woodburn Circle
Through an interactive physical display of statistics, WVU’s campus community can
learn more about the impact of sexual assault.
April 12-19, WVU Peer Advocates: Stop.Act.Respect Week of Action
Stop.Act.Respect. is a cultural movement lead by WVU’s Peer Advocates whose aim is
to shift the way people think about sexual violence and their role in preventing
discrimination, harassment, interpersonal relationship violence and sexual assault.
They have planned a full week of engaging and interactive programs, talks, and
survivor support initiatives. To support the cause on social media, post using
#StopActRespect #SAAM2021 #NOMORE.
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April 12, from 6 to 7 p.m., Crushing the Myths of Consent via Facebook Live
Crushing the Myths of Consent with Akeya Carter-Bozman, MSW Prevention Specialist with Division of Diversity Equity and Inclusion Title IX & Equity Assurance for a Q&A unpacking the Myths surrounding sexual consent and relationships. Join Crushing the Myths of Consent. -
April 13, from 6 to 7 p.m., Sexversations: Consent as Sweet as Candy via Zoom and Instagram
The purpose Sexversations is to get students talking openly and honestly about sex. The “sexperts” Eric Murphy, Akeya Carter-Bozman, Javier McCoy and Anitra Hamilton create a sexually empowered environment to remove barriers and stigma about sex and provide accurate and inclusive sex education. Instagram @wvupeeradvocate or registration for the Zoom link. -
April 14, at noon, What Were you Wearing? Virtual Exhibit via Instagram and Facebook
This intent of this virtual exhibit is to create a tangible response to one of our culture’s most pervasive rape culture myths: the belief that clothing or what someone is wearing “causes” rape is an extremely damaging myth both for survivors and for our community. This installation allows participants to see themselves reflected in the outfits and the experiences of the survivors. The presentation will go live at noon and can be accessed via Instagram or Facebook @wvupeeradvocate. -
April 15, from noon to 3 p.m., Cups of Consent at the Mountainlair
Visit the Peer Advocate table in front of the Mountainlair. The advocates will provide students with information about how consent is as simple as a cup of coffee or tea. Resources and prevention swag will also be available, as well as information on how to become a Peer Advocate. -
April 16, all day, Sole Survivors, Virtual Walk via social media
Every two minutes in the United States someone is sexually assaulted. The Peer Advocates will continue to raise awareness of sexual assault, decrease the stigma associated with sexual violence, and support survivors. Thanks to contributions like yours, Sole Survivors has the ability to increase our impact on campus and surrounding communities. Survivors of sexual assault or violence often feel alone and unsupported. Post a photo of your shoes to your social media (using the #IBelieveYou #StopActRespect #SSAM2021 #IWillWalkWithYou @wvupeeradvocate) as we walk in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault and violence.
April 19-21, from noon to 3 p.m., SGA Tabling Events at the Mountainlair
Join the Student Government Association to learn more about sexual assault prevention.
April 22, at 6:30 p.m. SGA Stop.Act.Respect Bystander Intervention Training via Zoom
The Student Government Association will host this evidence-based bystander intervention training session, presented by Akeya Carter-Bozman. Rather than focusing strictly on the roles of perpetrator and victim, the highly interactive workshop uses a community responsibility approach. It teaches bystanders how to safely intervene in instances where sexual violence, relationship violence, or stalking may be occurring or where there may be a risk that it will occur. Register for the training.
April 23, TBD, SGA’s “Shining Light on Survivors” Silent Vigil at Woodburn Circle
WVU’s Student Government Association will honor and support survivors of sexual violence by hosting a silent luminary vigil.
April 28, from noon to 3 p.m., WVU Peer Advocates: Denim Day at the Mountainlair
On April 28, millions of people across the world will wear jeans with a purpose, support survivors, and educate themselves and others about all forms of sexual violence. Visit the Peer Advocates at the Mountainlair Free Speech Zone to learn about becoming a Pro-Social Bystander to help combat sexual assault and interpersonal violence prevention across campus. Follow Peer Advocates on Instagram and Facebook for more information.
April 28, WVU Institute of Technology Denim Day
Various activities throughout the day. Details pending. For more information, contact Katie Sauls at 304-929-1237 or tech-counseling@mail.wvu.edu.
Find more information about the history of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
For more information about WVU Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities, contact peeradvocates@mail.wvu.edu.