By Katelyn Bidondo.
The month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the goal of SAAM is to educate and raise awareness about sexual violence. This year the NSVRC the National Sexual Violence Resource Center is focusing on healthy sexuality and child sexual abuse prevention. With the help of the NSVRC and the Resource Sharing Center (RSP), SAAM was first nationally observed in April of 2001. Since then many nationwide and worldwide entities have been wearing the color teal in observance and support of SAAM to raise awareness.
Here at UMKC, the Violence Prevention and Response Project has several events planned to support the cause as well. Thursday, April 18th we will be holding Take Back the Night. This event includes a march and rally, to unify women, men, and children in an awareness of violence against women, children, and families. Watch for more details! We also hold Denim Day USA on April 24th with a denim decorating party on April 4th. Denim Day USA aids in sexual violence prevention and education while making a social statement with fashion by wearing jeans as a visible means of protest against the misconceptions surrounding sexual assault. Also during the coming weeks, we will be having Sexual Assault Awareness Month information tables throughout campus. For locations, times and more information on UMKC Women’s Center events during April call: (816)-253-1638. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!