APRIL 1, 2021 — Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) programming is a series of events that invite UTSA students, faculty, and staff to raise awareness about sexual violence. This year’s theme centers around creating safe online spaces. SAAM happens every April and includes opportunities to learn more about UTSA's Culture of Responsibility, discover support services, and get involved at UTSA. These events will help students learn more about supporting and believing survivors, building safe communities, and promoting healthy relationships.
Most events will occur online to promote safety and include as many Roadrunners as possible, wherever they may be. Students will need to RSVP for these events via RowdyLink.
SAAM begins with the Day of Action on Tuesday, April 6. Members of the Roadrunner community—on campus or off—are encouraged to wear teal (hats, shirts, and masks) and post a selfie on social media with the hashtag #UTSASAAM. This year, 'Runners can support survivors all month long by continuing to wear teal on Teal Tuesdays.
This annual series of events seek to raise community awareness about sexual assault and educate students on preventing sexual violence and finding resources.
On Wednesday, April 7, Roadrunners are encouraged to take the Start By Believing pledge. Start by Believing is a public awareness campaign designed to end the cycle of silence and change how we respond to sexual assault. The Survivors Faculty & Staff Alliance will be presenting Start By Believing: Survivor Panel at 5:00 pm. Students are encouraged to attend the panel to hear from three survivors in their very own Roadrunner community.
Thursday, April 8, is RAINN Day, an opportunity for UTSA students to demonstrate that they are an ally in the fight against sexual violence. Roadrunners can participate by drawing a blue megaphone on your hand to show support and using #RAINNDAY and #LetsGetLoud when they share their photos. RAINN will be hosting a celebration for survivors that will take place on Facebook and YouTube.
⇒ Get more SAAM event details and links.
Saturday, April 10 and Saturday, April 17 feature Trauma Healing Yoga led by UTSA Campus Recreation at 7:30 am. These in-person group exercise sessions provide survivors a safe space to focus on their bodies' power to foster a sense of agency. Bring your mask and yoga mat and experience a soothing sound bath at sunrise. Students must register online before attending these sessions.
Tuesday, April 13, features a Trivia Night at 6:30 pm hosted by Eta Sigma Gamma. The Trivia Night winner who best demonstrates their knowledge about consent and sexual violence resources will win a gift card!
On Wednesday, April 14, students can virtually attend PHC April Trilogy at 6:00 pm. The Panhellenic Council and the UTSA Peace Center collaborate for this online session to give students a presentation on healthy relationships and bystander intervention strategies.
Thursday, April 15 features Into the Light: A Discussion on Military Sexual Trauma at 11:00 am. This online event, hosted by Veteran and Military Affairs and UTSA Military Liaison, will consist of an expert panel discussing and answering questions regarding sexual trauma in the military.
⇒ Get more SAAM event details and links.
Mr. UTSA, Scott Johansen, is partnering with Counseling and Mental Health Services to bring you Rowdy Wellbeing: Healthy Relationships on Monday, April 17. This event will start at 6:00 pm and consist of a short presentation, a student led panel featuring voices from student leaders, and a question-and-answer session where students can participate and ask any questions they have! Attendees also have an opportunity to win a swag bag containing giveaways from Counseling and Mental Health Services.
Monday, April 19, features a presentation on Sexual Assault Prevention, Advocacy, and Mental Health Resources. This presentation is hosted by Alpha Omicron Pi and facilitated by UTSA PEACE Center and Counseling and Mental Health Services.
Wednesday, April 21, features an online Bystander Intervention Training from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. This peer-led sexual violence prevention program helps students identify the continuum of inappropriate sexual behavior, develop empathy for sexual violence survivors, understand their role in bystander intervention, understand barriers to intervention and how to overcome them, and develop skills to intervene as an active bystander.
Thursday, April 22, the PEACE Center, Counseling and Mental Health Services, and Student Health Services are hosting a SAAM 101 Virtual Scavenger Hunt. At 5:00 pm. The event host will lead attendees on a virtual scavenger hunt for facts about Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Peace Center, and sexual violence resources.
Denim Day, an annual, national day of awareness that encourages participants to wear denim as a symbol of believing survivors and asserting that consent has nothing to do with your clothing. On Wednesday, April 28, we invite students to wear their jeans with purpose on April 28, to support survivors and those who fear sexual violence during the pandemic and require solidarity and increased support. Speak out on social media using #DenimDay.
Thursday, April 29, features Women Warrior Empowerment at 11:00 am, a virtual event in which Veteran trailblazers discuss various ways they empowered themselves and others regarding Military Sexual Trauma.
⇒ Get more SAAM event details and links.
Anyone needing accommodation to fully participate in any program or event should contact UTSA Student Affairs at least 72 hours before the event via email at studentaffairs@utsa.edu.
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