Dear CSSW community,
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), an opportunity for us to support survivors and raise awareness about and promote the prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. The aim of this year’s theme, “Building Safe Online Spaces Together,” is to highlight the fact that sexual violence can occur anywhere, including in online spaces.
As they do every year, Columbia Health is offering a variety of awareness, education, and advocacy events focused on preventing sexual violence and fostering a respectful community. This includes taking the Denim Day Pledge on Wednesday, April 27th, where we can show support and compassion for survivors of sexual assault by wearing jeans or other denim. There will also be a Hoping, Health, Inspiring Collective Art Installation and spoken-word performance by LA BRUJA on Thursday, April 28th.
For further information about these events, as well as other resources, please visit the websites for SAAM, Sexual Violence Response, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, and RAINN, among others.
Sexual violence will not be tolerated in our community. Survivors have led the movement around awareness and prevention of sexual assault. This month, let us honor their experiences by re-committing ourselves to creating, fostering, and facilitating safe and respectful online spaces.
In community,
Melissa Begg
Dean & Professor
Karma Lowe
Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Community Engagement