April 4, 2023
K-State observes Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April 2023 marks the 22nd anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Each year, many organizations and institutions observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April to recognize the prevalence and persistence of sexual violence, harassment and abuse within campus communities and on a global scale. The roots of this movement can be traced back to the 1940s and '50s and was championed by the bold actions of Black women and women of color seeking to broadly reveal the intersections of race-based and gender-based violence.
This year's theme is "Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity." The Center for Advocacy, Response and Education, or CARE, along with various campus partners will host a variety of training sessions, events and activities throughout the month of April. CARE, in partnership with the Division of Communications and Marketing, will also share campus resources, facts and tips related to relationship and sexual violence through social media.
CARE will host the following events:
- Advanced SAFE Zone virtual workshop, "Take Back The Night: The History and Legacy of Sexual Assault Awareness Month" from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 11. A separate announcement and registration link will be provided via K-State Today.
- "At Your Cervix" documentary screening and discussion with the filmmaker from 6:30-9 p.m. Monday, April 10, in the Purple Masque Theatre. The documentary reveals the unethical present-day practice of performing non-consensual pelvic exams on patients during surgical procedures. The documentary will also describe the racist and violent roots of modern gynecology. This film will contain some graphic and potentially distressing content. CARE will have confidential advocates available during the screening for those in need of support or guidance.
- Virtual panel to discuss the results of the 2021 Campus Climate Survey. The researchers directly involved with the construction, distribution and analysis of the survey data will be present to provide information and answer questions. Representation from other departments involved in student life and well-being is anticipated. Register for this event.
- In observance of Denim Day, CARE, in partnership with the Office of Institutional Equity, will host a student life and services resource fair from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, at Bosco Student Plaza. Students, faculty and staff are invited to meet and collect resources from a variety of student-facing organizations on campus that provide support to students experiencing violence, discrimination, academic barriers, health challenges and more.
- CARE will have a booth set up in the K-State Student Union throughout the month of April. Please stop by.
K-State is a member of of NASPA's Culture of Respect Collective. K-State's participation in this initiative strengthens existing campus sexual violence prevention and response efforts, identifies gaps that may exist and develops strategies for addressing areas for improvement. Learn more about the university's action areas.
The CARE office provides free, voluntary and confidential services to students, faculty, staff and administrators who may be experiencing relationship or sexual violence. The office is open for walk-ins at 206 Holton Hall from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and appointments can be made over the phone at 785-532-6444.