Monday, April 1 marked the beginning of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time when people are urged to reflect on the culture surrounding assault and to raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence. This month is recognized domestically and internationally, and it serves to uplift survivors and provide support to individuals who have experienced the effects of sexual abuse.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. organizations from Villanova University and the surrounding area gathered around the Riley Ellipse with various activities pertaining to Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Featured organizations included Villanova University’s Sexual Assault and Awareness Club (S.A.P.A.), Villanova University Public Safety, the One Love Organization, Villanova University’s Title IX Office and the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County, Inc. (DAP).
“Sexual Assault Awareness Month means so much to me not just as a S.A.P.A. leader but as a Villanova student,” senior Aly Sivinski said. “A lot of students don’t know the resources available to them both on and off campus, and all our events this month really give us the opportunity to educate people.”
Individuals walking by the S.A.P.A. display were encouraged to write out their definitions of consent on a large and colorful banner. The S.A.P.A. display also featured posters which highlighted the value of supporting survivors of sexual assault, as well as the benefit of destigmatizing the topic of sexual violence.
The University’s Public Safety staff offered pretzels, donut holes and ice cream to those passing by the displays, encouraging conversation and dialogue surrounding the month. Taffy, the University’s Community Canine, was present to provide comfort and emotional support to those in need. Coupled with representatives from One Love, a unified front of support and healthy conversation was fostered with students and faculty passing by the Riley Ellipse.
The displays from the University’s Title IX Office, as well as the DAP demonstrated the internal and external resources available to students affected by sexual assault. Posters about sexual violence resources and supporting survivors were present at the Title IX display, as well as various items which read “IT’S ON US NOVA.” The DAP displays featured pamphlets in a variety of languages which covered topics such as advocacy, counseling, legal services and outreach for survivors of sexual assault.
On Thursday, Apr. 3, the University’s Title IX Office hosted a bystander training intervention program in conjunction with the Delaware County Victim Assistance Center. Taking place in Bartley Hall, the event lasted one hour and covered topics such as survivor support, harm prevention and raising awareness about sexual violence.
Upcoming events relating to Sexual Assault Awareness Month include a talk on April 7 hosted by the University’s Office of Health Promotion. “Connecting the Dots Between Purity Culture and Rape Culture,” to be presented by speakers Sarah Diamond and Dr. Emily Reimer-Berry from San Diego State University, will explore the way in which the culture around sexual assault can evolve over time.
As Sexual Assault Awareness Month continues, efforts from the University and student organizations alike continue to foster an environment in which survivors can come forward and achieve justice.
Information on how to report an act of sexual violence can be found on the University’s website, and various other events during Sexual Assault Awareness Month will be showcased on several named organizations social medias.
