April is Sexual Asssault Awareness Month (SAAM)! Here at Colgate University, members of our community have collaborated with Haven, the Sexual Violence Survivor Support center, to host awareness events and provide educational opportunities as well as support for survivors.
Throughout the month, Support for the Supporter drop-in group sessions were held at Haven’s garden-level location in Curtis Hall. Additionally, Yoga For All sessions were held in the Huntington gym and Brown Bag events in collaboration with various academic departments were hosted on various dates.
April 5: SAAM Day of Action
Members of the Colgate community recognized SAAM Day of Action by wearing teal to spread awareness and show solidarity. The Women’s Studies Center hosted a brown-bag luncheon event titled: “Being a Trauma-Informed Peer.” That evening, Haven hosted an open house where students could drop-in to see the space, meet support staff, obtain informational resources, and engage in exciting activities, such as bingo and arts & crafts. Awareness goodies including stress balls, tote bags, stickers, and more were provided to all visitors.
April 12: Take Back the Night
The annual march was hosted by The Network and Haven to provide survivors with a safe and empowering place and event. These groups held poster making sessions, marched from the Coop patio, and provided a survivor speak-out session afterwards.
April 27: Denim Day
Towards the end of the month, members of the Colgate community wore jeans in recognition of Denim Day. This international awareness day encourages people to stand in solidarity through wearing denim to protest against misconceptions surrounding sexual violence.
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