K-State's observance of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month centers on survivors

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Thursday, April 2, 2026

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, or SAAM, an annual national observance dedicated to increasing understanding, amplifying the voices of survivors and empowering communities to work together to promote safety and respect. In a 2019 national survey by the American Association of Universities, 13% of students who responded reported experiencing nonconsensual sexual contact. Together, we can change the way we understand, talk about and respond to sexual assault.

The Center for Advocacy, Response and Education will lead the university’s month-long observance,which encourages showing up meaningfully for survivors and to bring increased awareness of sexual assault prevention to campus.

“Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a chance to show survivors that they are seen, supported and not alone,” said Sophia Berg, CARE student assistant and member of Gamma Phi Beta. “Each person who shows up and engages in SAAM events plays a meaningful role in building a stronger community, and I’m really looking forward to seeing that involvement.”

The 2026 SAAM theme, “25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward,” celebrates the resilience of survivors and the communities that have worked for change.

K-State's SAAM observance concludes with Denim Day on April 29, a globally recognized movement rooted in resistance and solidarity. What began in 1999 as a response to a harmful court ruling in Italy has become an enduring symbol of support for survivors and a rejection of myths surrounding sexual assault. Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to wear denim and engage in interactive activities that promote awareness, education and advocacy.

“I see Denim Day as more than awareness; it’s a statement,” said Libby Thorson-Kahl, CARE assistant director. “That visibility can be life-changing and life-saving for a survivor.”

In honor of Denim Day, people can also contribute to the CARE fund, which supports student survivors and the CARE Office’s services. Willie’s Sodabar, located in the K-State Student Union, will also be donating 10% of sales on Denim Day to the CARE fund.

Participate in Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities

Opportunities to connect and engage throughout April include:

  • WildCAT Chats - Real Talk: Sex, Consent, and Taking Care of Yourself, 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, Derby Dining Hall Classroom —Join campus partners from CARE, Lafene CAPS and the Morrison Family Center for Student Wellbeing as we talk openly about the factors that contribute to safe and healthy relationships while in college. This event is open to students.
  • Petals and Positivity, 2-4 p.m., Monday, April 20, Union Courtyard — Craft handmade pipe-cleaner flowers and write notes of encouragement for CARE clients, turning small gestures into tangible reminders of care and community.
  • Yoga led by First Lady Sally Linton, 3-4:40 p.m., Monday, April 27, Bosco Plaza — Pause, unwind and reset with a trauma-informed yoga session led by First Lady Sally Linton. Designed to help participants reset and reconnect, the session reflects a growing understanding that healing is not only emotional, but also physical and communal. This event is open to students, employees and community members.
  • Denim Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 29, Bosco Plaza — Join campus and Manhattan community partners for interactive activities that raise awareness about the reality of sexual assault and support survivors. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to wear denim in solidarity. This event is open to students, employees and community members.

A full list of events for the month can be found on OrgCentral.

Resources available for those affected by sexual assault

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. Help is available. Students and employees who are seeking additional support are encouraged to access relevant campus resources.

Those resources include:

*Services denoted with an asterisk are offered confidentially.

— Submitted by Center for Advocacy, Response and Education

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