The Illinois State University community is invited to take part in a variety of events held on campus and in the community throughout the month of April in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sexual Assault Awareness Month takes place annually to help raise awareness and support for those that experience sexual assault and other gender-based violence. Sexual Assault Awareness Month began in 1978 when the first Take Back the Night event was held in New York City. Over the past four decades, the awareness event has grown to encompass and entire month’s worth of activities.
This year’s National Sexual Assault Awareness Month theme is Engaging New Voices. We all have a role in ending sexual violence and we are strongest when we raise our voices together. While one month isn’t enough to solve the serious and pervasive issue of sexual violence, the dedicated attention throughout the month of April hopefully energizes individuals and starts conversations that last through the year.
Here are list of events going on throughout the month on campus. Events are co-sponsored by Health Promotion and Wellness, Student Counseling Services Friendly Faces, Student Government Association, FLAME, ISU Pride, and YWCA Stepping Stones.
Tuesday, April 4 – The Mask You Live In
130 Schroeder Hall
Screening: 5 p.m.
Dialogue: 6:30 p.m.
The Mask You Live In follows boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves while navigating America’s narrow definition of masculinity. Join us after the film for a discussion on violence and masculinity.
Monday, April 10 – SAAM Slams
138 Schroeder Hall at 6 p.m.
Come enjoy poetry, spoken word, performance, and prose! The SAAM Slams event focuses on giving a voice back to those who have been affected by sexual violence. All are welcome to share your own work, read a piece you really enjoy, or just be a part of the audience
Tuesday, April 11 – Teal Tuesday
Quad, Schroeder Plaza at 11 a.m.
Rain location: Circus Room, Bone Student Center
Visit Health Promotion and Wellness, the Student Wellness Ambassador Team, Student Counseling Services Friendly Faces, Student Government Association, ISU PRIDE, and YWCA Stepping Stones on the Quad to learn more about raising awareness to end sexual violence as well as show solidarity for survivors. In addition, wear teal each Tuesday in April to show your support.
Wednesday, April 12 – Consent Day
Quad, Schroeder Plaza at 11 a.m.
Rain location: First Floor West Lounge, Bone Student Center
Stop by the Quad to explore consent and its role in healthy relationships. Participants will learn how to empower themselves to communicate consent and commit to helping end sexual violence.
Thursday, April 13 – Featured Speaker Brittany Piper
130 Schroeder Hall at 7 p.m.
Rape Culture: A Survivor’s Perspective
Brittany Piper was 20 years old when she was brutally raped by a man pretending to be a good Samaritan. Now, nearly eight years later, she refuses to keep silent about this common global human right’s issue. Brittany reveals how we all participate in rape culture, even from a young age, and helps students understand the role they play in either perpetuating or ending the cycle.
Tuesday, April 18 – Clothesline Project
ISU Quad at 10 a.m.
Creating a T-shirt allows survivors to anonymously tell their story and share emotions while educating the public. Community members are encouraged to stop by the Clothesline Project to get a rare, honest look at what survivors of sexual assault endure, suffer, and survive.
Thursday, April 20 – Solidarity Wall
Milner Plaza at 11 a.m.
The Solidarity Wall is a project created in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The Solidarity Wall provides a blank canvas for the ISU community to share their words of encouragement for survivors of sexual assault.
Saturday, April 22 – The Gender Galleries
University Galleries at 7 p.m.
Join us at the Gender Galleries Drag Show to learn about how sexual violence affects the LGBTQ community and what the community’s unique needs are when it comes to preventing sexual assault as well as supporting and caring for survivors.
