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Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2023
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), an observance designed to honor the resiliency and healing of survivors while bringing attention to this very important issue. The 2023 theme is “Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity,” and calls on all individuals, communities, organizations, and institutions to change ourselves and the systems surrounding us to build racial equity and respect.
As part of our commitment to this very important issue, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) will host several trainings and promote several events sponsored by the New York State Office for Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV).
CIED Events
The CUNY SPS Committee on Institutional Equity and Diversity (CIED) will host two virtual Safe Zone trainings for CUNY SPS students on April 3 and April 24 to help support inclusivity and provide a safe space for all.
These trainings, The CIED Presents: Fostering an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Campus, are a highly interactive and in-depth workshop dedicated to enhancing one’s knowledge of the LGBTQ+ community while learning the foundations of active allyship through an intersectional lens.
Register here for the April 3 and April 24 Safe Zone trainings. Visit the CUNY SPS events calendar for a complete list of upcoming diversity, equity, and inclusion-related events.
CUNY Events
The City University of New York (CUNY) is also hosting and curating SAAM-related events in April. In one important highlight, the University Human Resources is hosting a Panel discussion on Gender-Based Violence as part of the Chancellor’s Campus Climate Support Initiative. The virtual panel will be held on April 24 from 12:00-2:30 pm. Learn more and RSVP here.
See below for a complete list of weekly CUNY events offered during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
For additional resources and education, visit the CUNY SAAM webpage.
OPDV Events
CUNY SPS is also proud to promote several weekly events organized by the OPDV culminating in Denim Day, a day of action and awareness held on the last Wednesday of the month in which people are encouraged to wear denim to combat victim blaming and educate others about sexual violence.
All members of the School community are invited to attend and spread the word on social media.
- Weekly: the OPDV office is sponsoring a Sexual Violence 101 talk. Register here!
- April 4: Wear Teal in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month Day of Action to support survivors.
- April 25-27: Denim Day Installation in the Empire State Plaza featuring the resiliency of survivors and highlighting providers throughout New York State. We invite you to visit the installation to learn more about the importance of Denim Day and hear from service providers and survivors.
- April 26: Wear denim in honor of Denim Day.
- April 26 at 2pm: Denim Day Live Twitter chat for anyone who wants to talk about Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
- April 26: New York State Assets lit up in Teal.
The NYSOPDV will be posting on Social Media. Follow @NYSOPDV on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and engaging with posts by sharing, liking, and commenting using the hashtags #StartTheConversation, #SAAM2023, and #DenimDay. You can also repost OPDV’s social media posts and show the people who follow you that you’re an ally to survivors.
When posting about gender-based violence, always include information for the NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline which can be reached 24/7 in most languages: Call 800-942-6906, Text 844-997-2121, or chat at opdv.ny.gov.
For more information on how to approach discussions on sexual assault, feel free to utilize OPDV’s New Yorker’s Against Sexual Assault toolkit. Learn more about CUNY SPS’ commitment to combatting sexual assault and confidential, free mental health support here.
Special thanks to National Sexual Violence Resource Center for creating graphics and prompts and allowing their use.