April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), which is an annual campaign to raise public awareness about sexual assault and to help educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence.
Sexual harassment, assault, and abuse can happen anywhere, including in online spaces. At Weber State, we want everyone to feel respected and safe. Below you will find information about ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø Campus & Community Events, training, and resources to help spread awareness, educate, and support survivors.
Start by Believing Day
Start by Believing Day is the first Wednesday of every April
Start by Believing Day provides an opportunity for communities across the country, and around the world, to unify with a single voice for those who have been the victims of sexual violence: We hear you, and we are here to help. On this day, we gather to end the silence and change the way we respond to sexual assault. We Start by Believing.
Please join us in this global message of support for survivors. We challenge you to post yourself with the “Start By Believing” graphic with the hashtags #startbybelieving #safeatweber, #SAAM26 to your social media. For more information, ways to get involved, and to take the start by believing pledge, please visit:
Denim Day
Denim Day is the last Wednesday of every April
In recognition of an Italian Supreme Court case held in 1998, where the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction claiming that because the victim was wearing very tight jeans, she must have helped remove them, and by removing the jeans it was not rape but consensual sex. Outraged, women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans in solidarity. This news made it to California and Denim Day has been held annually ever since! Denim is worn by folks on this day to show support for survivors of sexual violence.
Since the 1960s, Take Back the Night has empowered and supported survivors/victims, helping those in pain, and asserted that it is unacceptable for people to live in fear for their safety. Take Back the Night rallies, marches, candlelight vigils, and speak-outs are the means by which we show our solidarity. We invite you to join the movement to end and raise awareness of, sexual and interpersonal violence and demonstrate support for survivors and victims on our campus and in our community.