By: Brenna Ralston
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) — The University of Arkansas is marking Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) this April with a series of educational events, survivor-centered programming, and safety initiatives aimed at building a campus culture of consent, prevention, and support.
SAAM is a national movement held each April to raise awareness about sexual violence and to promote prevention strategies. First recognized in 2001, the campaign encourages individuals and institutions to work collectively to create safe and respectful environments for all.
This year’s campus theme embraces T.E.A.L.—Togetherness, Empowerment, Advocacy, and Learning. Each Tuesday, the campus community is encouraged to wear teal in solidarity with survivors. Teal ribbons and wristbands are available at various campus locations, including the Administration Building, the Arkansas Union, and the Pat Walker Health Center.
Signature events include the “What Were You Wearing?” survivor art installation, hosted from April 22 to 25 in the Arkansas Union Flag Room. The exhibit, now in its 10th year, confronts the harmful myth that clothing plays a role in sexual assault by displaying outfits paired with real survivor stories.
Other highlights include Denim Day on April 24, during which students, faculty, and staff wear denim to challenge stereotypes and victim-blaming. That evening, a Denim Day Fashion Show will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Verizon Ballroom.
The University of Arkansas Police Department (UAPD) is also deeply involved in this year’s programming.
“The University of Arkansas Police Department is proud to support Sexual Assault Awareness Month through education, prevention, and safety initiatives,” said Cpl. Allen Porter of UAPD. “We work closely with the Sexual and Relationship Violence Center (SRVC) to host awareness events and offer personal safety presentations throughout April.”
In addition to workshops and demonstrations, UAPD offers R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense), A self-defense program designed to equip participants with the skills and confidence they need to protect themselves. The department also promotes the SafeZone Mobile Safety App, which allows users to instantly contact UAPD, share live locations, and report suspicious activity anonymously.
“SafeZone contacts UAPD directly—when seconds matter most,” Porter said
These efforts are part of a campus-wide collaboration involving SRVC, CAPS, the Title IX Office, and other student organizations.