April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Aloha UH students, faculty, and staff,

The 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi System is proud to participate in this year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). April 2022 marks the 21st anniversary of SAAM and the university invites its members to participate in events that promote safety, respect and inclusion in efforts to build safer spaces for our campus communities. 

The goals of SAAM are to raise awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. As an institution of higher education, like many across the nation, we acknowledge the prevalence of sexual violence in our communities. We welcome you to join these important conversations so that we may support survivors and one day eradicate sexual violence. 

Events

In honor of SAAM, our Community College campuses’ Title IX Offices, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President for Community Colleges System Office of Compliance, EEO/AA, and Title IX, are hosting a webinar series on various topics related to combating gender-based violence and sexual assault. The series begins on April 5 and runs through the end of the month. Everyone is strongly encouraged to register for the webinar series. Please visit the website for more details regarding the upcoming sessions and registration.

The theme of UH Mānoa’s SAAM campaign is “Roads to Reconnection,” promoting prevention and healing through reconnecting individuals to their communities. There will be two resource fairs (April 6 and 14) highlighting on- and off-campus resource s and student groups that address and prevent sexual violence. Additionally, the Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services will host a visual awareness display on April 14. Come check out the display, take selfies and have a reflective moment as we all embrace the kuleana of ending sexual violence. Everyone is encouraged to wear teal for this “TEAL Thursday” event.

UH Hilo will host its First Annual SAAM Community Resource Fair on Tuesday, April 26, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., and Wednesday, April 27, from 10 a.m. – noon at the Campus Plaza.

To learn more about SAAM events happening on your campus, contact your campus Title IX Office.

Resources

Because of the sensitive nature of sexual assault, some events or the campaign itself may evoke upsetting experiences that you or a friend or family member have gone through. Please know that there are many university and community resources available to you for support, such as counseling, victim advocacy and legal support. 

If you have experienced sexual assault or violence, there are several options available depending on the type of assistance you want.

• If you want help but are not ready to make a formal report, please contact a confidential resource on your campus to explore your options and receive services from that office.

• If you would like to make a formal report, please contact your campus Title IX coordinator.

Mahalo nui loa for your participation and support!

Confidential Advocacy Program
Office of Institutional Equity
The University of Hawaiʻi System 
advocate@hawaii.edu