April is sexual assault awareness month (SAAM). The goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. This year’s national SAAM theme is “I Ask.”
SAAM kicks off on April 2 with the National Day of Action. On that Tuesday, LoboRESPECT is encouraging everyone to wear the color teal and post your support to social media using #SAAM.
This year the Lobo community is coming together for a variety of events starting with ASUNM’s Self-Care Carnival also on April 2 on Smith Plaza.
Asking for consent is a healthy, normal and necessary part of interpersonal interactions. By practicing consent, individuals can help end sexual assault. How else can you help? Individuals can embrace their voices to show support for survivors, stand up to victim blaming, shut down rape jokes, correct harmful misconceptions, promote everyday consent, and practice healthy communications with children.
Advocates are available on campus at the LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center, the Women’s Resource Center and the LGBTQ Resource Center should you or fellow students or friends need support.