According to nonprofit National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), one in every five women and one in every 71 men has been raped in the United States. Central Michigan University’s Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates (SAPA) are not only honoring victims during Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), but every month by providing support and resources for those affected by assault and harassment.
SAPA has been around on Central Michigan’s campus for almost 20 years. Members of this student organization goes through extensive training in the fall and spring semesters to provide confidential, 24/7 support during the academic school year for those affected by sexual aggression. SAPA strives to eliminate and educate their peers on domestic violence, harassment, intimate partner violence, sexual assault and stalking.
“All of our members are graduate and undergraduate students,” said Brooke Oliver-Hempenstall, the Director of Sexual Aggression Services. “The priority is providing 24/7 confidential advocacy, whether that’s someone reaching out on our phone line, our chat line, or wanting to meet in person. We just really want to empower [survivors] and help them make the decision they believe is best for them.”
SAPA has been hard at work organizing informational programs and awareness events for the month of April. The past week, they held a “Paint with a SAPA” event that was a major success, Oliver-Hemenstall said. Come out and support survivors in the rest of SAPA’s upcoming events for SAAM.
Photo Credit: Sydney Williamsen
Wear Teal: Wednesday, April 18 All Day
SAPA invites you to wear Teal to show your support of victims who have experienced sexual assault and raise awareness.
Solidarity: Wednesday, April 18 from 7-10 p.m.
Join SAPA in the University Center Rotunda at 7 p.m. for a night of reflection and solidarity. There will be scheduled performers in honor of SAAM, followed by a speak out where survivors of sexual assault are invited to share their experiences in a confidential space to show others that they are not alone.
Choose Consent 5K: Saturday, April 21 from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Women’s Aid Services will be hosting a 5K run at Island Park this upcoming Saturday. Online registration is now closed but you can still register on-site the day of the race if you wish to participate.
Denim Day: Wednesday, April 25 All Day
Encourage your friends to wear denim to raise awareness for sexual assault and make sure to educate yourself! Visit denimdayinfo.org to learn more about the history of this day.
Self Care Yoga: Wednesday, April 25 8 p.m.
Take some time for yourself, reflect, and relax! Yoga will begin at 8 p.m. in Kulhavi 145. Additional information about self care will also be provided.