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Student Affairs

In the Spotlight: Embracing Empowerment: April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April marks the beginning of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The SAAM activities and materials provided by the SHARE Title IX Office, spotlight the necessity of integrating knowledge about systemic oppression into sexual violence prevention strategies.

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Get Involved with SAAM 

During SAAM, the Stanford community is encouraged to actively participate in events like Take Back the Night on Tuesday, April 16 and Denim Day on Wednesday, April 24. These events serve crucial roles: Take Back the Night amplifies survivors’ voices in a public forum, while Denim Day confronts and debunks myths surrounding sexual assault. These gatherings are not just ceremonial; they are central to the collective effort to foster a culture of understanding, support, and change. For more information on these and other April events, visit SAAM at Stanford Events.

Support Survivors

Support for survivors is a year-round imperative that gains special emphasis during SAAM. Effective support starts with not only trust but also actively listening to the lived experiences of others. The Stanford community can further this support by engaging with educational and outreach programs. Additionally, the Confidential Support Team (CST) and YWCA@Stanford provide confidential mental health support, including advocacy services to help survivors navigate both SHARE Title IX and criminal justice processes.

Beyond SAAM: Maintaining a Safe and Respectful Community

Involvement in SAAM extends beyond attending events. The Stanford community is encouraged to take proactive steps in violence prevention through educational initiatives. Resources like the Sexual Citizenship Quiz offer foundational knowledge in establishing respectful interactions and setting boundaries. 

For additional details on SAAM and the resources available, please visit the SHARE website at share.stanford.edu. Let’s embrace this month’s activities as an opportunity to strengthen our commitment to a safe and respectful Stanford community. And don’t forget to TUNE INTO: @shareatstanford!

Written by: Jaden Abas, Class of 2025

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Resources

Stanford Resources

  • Sexual Assault Awareness Month at Stanford: Learn more about SAAM and how you can get involved in supporting survivors and preventing violence during SAAM and beyond.
  • SHARE (Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Education) Title IX Office: The University’s central resource for redressing and preventing sexual harassment and violence issues experienced by all Stanford community members.
  • Confidential Support Team: Offers support to Stanford students impacted by sexual assault and relationship violence, stalking, and sexual or gender-based harassment and discrimination.
  • Weiland Health Initiative: Promotes mental health and wellness across the spectrum of gender identities and sexual orientations through education, training, and clinical services.
  • Live the Upstander Life The Flourish, Tip of the Month, April 2022: Discover ways to promote a culture of care and accountability by learning how to be an upstander. By being an upstander, you can help protect yourself and those around you safety and well-being.

Additional Resources