Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Every April, Sexual Violence Response (SVR) observes Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) by remembering, honoring, and celebrating survivors, advocates, and activists through programming and events that offer hope, healing, and inspiration, affirming that sexual assault has no place in the Columbia University community.
Events
Join the Columbia community for a host of awareness, education, and advocacy events aimed at preventing sexual violence and fostering a respectful community.
Click the event name for more information:
Friday, April 14
12:00 – 1:30 PM ET
Virtual - Register on Zoom
Tuesday, April 18
6:00 – 7:30 PM ET
Virtual - Register on Zoom
Wednesday, April 26
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Lerner Ramps
CUIMC Events
These events are open to CUIMC students, faculty, and staff.
Wednesday, April 26
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Hammer LL1 Lobby
Friday, April 28
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Virtual - Register on Zoom
Columbia University makes every effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities. If you require closed captioning, sign-language interpretation, or any other accommodation, please notify SVR or contact Disability Services at (212) 854-2388 or [email protected] at least 10 days in advance.
No matter who we are, we have the power to make a change.
From small steps to big leaps and everything in between, whoever you are or wherever you are from, you CAN help build a compassionate and accountable community where sexual assault can end.
There is no place for sexual assault in our community. Together, we must support survivors through their healing journey, amplify the voices and conversations of communities who have been left out of the discussion, reinforce a sense of community, and come together to build a future without sexual assault.
Download a SAAM Zoom background:
Right-click on the image, click "Save Image As...", and add to Zoom!
Hosting your own SAAM event? Apply for co-sponsorship.
Get Involved
Volunteer
Learn about becoming a peer educator or peer advocate.
Spread the word on social media.
Share SVR's Facebook posts throughout April or post your own!
Event Descriptions
When: Friday, April 14, 12:00 – 1:30 PM ET
Where: Virtual - Register on Zoom
Sexual violence online isn't just a "women's issue." Even though female-identifying students historically experience higher rates of harm, emerging data shows abuse targeting male-identifying students is on the rise. Speaker Adam Dodge (EndTAB) discusses what abuse in online spaces looks like, how different genders experience it, and how can we be part of the solution.
Open to Columbia students, faculty, staff, affiliates, and the community.
>> All attendees will be entered into a drawing for an Amazon gift card <<
Co-sponsors:
Columbia University Chinese Students and Scholars Association
When: Tuesday, April 18, 6:00 – 7:30 PM ET
Where: Virtual - Register on Zoom
Are you curious about kink? Kink can be both exciting and intimidating at the same time. Sex and Pleasure Educator Luna Matatas will be busting myths about kink, teaching skills like communicating your fantasy, giving and receiving consent, exploring fantasies, and navigating shame. You can ask questions anonymously and get the information you need to feel empowered by your pleasure.
Open to Columbia students, faculty, staff, affiliates, and the community.
>> All attendees will be entered into a drawing for 10 vouchers to watch Luna Matatas’ BDSM 101 webinar for free (a $27 value!) <<
Co-sponsors:
LionLez
When: Wednesday, April 26, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Lerner Ramps
Make a statement with your denim. Stop by the Lerner Ramps to grab some swag, take the Denim Day Pledge, and participate in some myth-busting. You can share why you wear denim and your commitment to creating a community of compassion and accountability – where survivors are supported and not blamed after an assault. Learn more about the history of Denim Day.
Unable to come to Lerner? You can take the pledge here and tag @SVR.Columbia on Facebook or @columbiahealth on Instagram to share why you wear denim.
The Columbia community is welcome to attend.
CUIMC Event Descriptions
When: Wednesday, April 26, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Hammer LL1
Make a statement with your denim. Stop by to grab some swag, take the Denim Day Pledge, and participate in some myth-busting. You can share why you wear denim and your commitment to creating a community of compassion and accountability – where survivors are supported and not blamed after an assault. Learn more about the history of Denim Day.
Unable to come to Lerner? You can take the pledge here and tag @SVR.Columbia on Facebook or @columbiahealth on Instagram to share why you wear denim.
The CUIMC community is welcome to attend.
When: Friday, April 28, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Where: Virtual - Register on Zoom
Rachel E. Gross, author of “Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage” will explore the practical impact of science’s neglect of “female bodies.” This talk will focus on how a lack of knowledge puts women at increased risk for violence, including violence by medical providers. She’ll explore the impacts of “feminist science” on research and unconscious bias, and how patients can experience healing through knowledge and self-advocacy. The first 50 attendees will receive a free copy of the book, Vagina Obscura.
This event is open to CUIMC students, faculty, and staff.