UM Shines a Light on Sexual Assault Awareness Month

This month marks the 20th anniversary of the launch of Sexual Assault Awareness month, which is recognized each April to raise public awareness and educated communities in attempt to prevent sexual violence. Around 20% of college women, and 4% of college men will be sexually assaulted while at college. 42% of women who are raped do not seek help or tell anyone about their assault.

U of M students and Missoula community members are invited to attend campus events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which began April 1 with teal lights cast on UM’s Main Hall to symbolize support for sexual assault survivors. The theme for April is “Strong Alone, Fearless Together,” showcasing the ways UM and the community provide advocacy, prevention and support for victims. All month long, UM’s Student Advocacy Resource Center (SARC) and other local organizations are sharing resources on how community members can intervene in sexual assault and help victims heal from trauma. Events explore societal bias, intervention techniques, workplace harassment, myths about rape and more.

SARC, Missoula Project Beacon, Make Your Move and the Graduate and Professional Student Association at UM have collaborated to coordinate the following events.

2 p.m. Thursday, April 15 – Indigenous SAAM Panel: “Healing Sisters Through Resiliency” and SAAM “Indigenous Sister” Virtual Campaign Premiere.
5:30 p.m. April 15 – Movie and Discussion: “The Mask You Live In.”
Noon-1 p.m. Friday, April 16 – “Improve Your Flirting”: Workplace Harassment Prevention Series Part 2.
Noon-1 p.m. Monday, April 19 – Panel: “Societal Bias and Acceptance of Harm.”
Noon-1 p.m. Tuesday, April 20 – “Sex Ed is Sexual Violence Prevention.”
2-3 p.m. Wednesday, April 21 – “Bar Intervention.”
6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, April 22 – Movie and Discussion: “Indigenous Women Keep Going Missing in MT.”
Noon-1 p.m. Monday, April 26 – Panel: “Prosecution Against Rape Myths.”
7 p.m. Tuesday, April 27 – “Advance Your Career”: Workplace Harassment Prevention Series Part 3.
6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 29 – Movie and Discussion: “When They Were Here.”