By: Alex Altman
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) — The month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. In an effort to acknowledge sexual assault awareness on campus, the Associated Student Government partnered with the Campus Sexual and Relationship Violence Center to create Safety Week.
Each day this week, there will be informational and interactive events to help students who may be a victim of an unhealthy relationship or sexual violence. Associated Student Government Director of Student Safety Gerson Fajardo said this week is all about student safety.
“It’s just crucial to prioritize the safety of our college community in all aspects. This is in order to ensure that students can pursue their academic and personal goals without having to worry about their safety,” Fajardo said.
The events began on Monday with a “Cover the Cruiser” event where students could help cover a UAPD cruiser with teal notes of awareness, hope and support for victims.
“Students were invited to sign the campus safety patrol car with messages of hope and awareness to put an end to sexual and relationship violence on campus,” Fajardo said
These types of events have already helped students like senior Cameron Johnston. Johnson said she was a victim of sexual assault ten years ago and recently shared her story on social media. She said she hopes to bring more awareness to the cause.
“I’ve already had so many people DM me that have gone through similar experiences so I think bringing awareness to it more than even just in this month is very important just so those people feel comfortable enough to speak up about it,” Johnson said.
When asked about what advice she would give to other victims and survivors, her answer was simple.
“Keep going and pursue your dreams and goals in the future,” Johnson said.
These events will continue tomorrow as the university will offer free legal consultation for victims of sexual and/or relationship violence at the Union from 1-4 p.m. For a list of the events taking place across the month of April, please check below.
EVENT SCHEDULE
APRIL 6: Roll with Safety at the Union Mall (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
-Highlighting safety related to any form of transportation.
APRIL 7: Sexual Assault Awareness Day at the Union Mall (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
-Organizations will host tabling events with interactive activities for students to take part in.
*The first 150 students to attend will receive free Chick-fil-A.
APRIL 11: Teal Tuesday (All Day)
-Students are encouraged to wear teal in support of victims of sexual assault and sexual violence.
APRIL 12: Introduction to Human Trafficking: Awareness Fuels Rescue at Union Theatre (7 p.m.)
-Local speakers will talk about the fight against human trafficking.
APRIL 13-21: The Flag Project at the Union Mall (Open Exhibit)
-4,864 flags comprise this exhibit showing the likely impact of sexual violence on campus.
APRIL 17: Teal Tuesday (All Day)
-Students are encouraged to wear teal in support of victims of sexual assault and sexual violence.
APRIL 18: Take Back the Night at the Greek Theatre (7 p.m.)
-A night of solidarity to denounce sexual violence, call for change, and give support for victims/survivors)
APRIL 24: Teal Tuesday (All Day)
-Students are encouraged to wear teal in support of victims of sexual assault and sexual violence.
APRIL 24-28: What Were You Wearing? Survivor Art Installation at the Union Connections Lounge (Open Exhibit)
-A worldwide phenomenon created at the University of Arkansas; this exhibit dispels rape myths by addressing the so commonly asked question of what was worn.
APRIL 26: Denim Day at the Union Connections Lounge (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
-Why wear denim today? It began when the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction, rationalizing the victim’s jeans were tight, so she must have helped to remove them, implying consent. The next day, the Italian Parliament’s women wore jeans, sparking a movement.
APRIL 28: Striding for Survivors at the Union Mall (9 a.m.)
-Striding for Survivors is a fun run starting at the Union Mall that supports Sexual Assault Awareness Month.