Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Activism in the anti-gender violence movement goes back the 1940 and 50's where black women led the efforts in voicing the intersections of race and gender based violence. More wide activism around sexual violence began in the 1970's. This era founded the first rape crisis center in San Francisco in 1971 and the first Take Back the Night march held in 1978. In 1993, the first authorization of the Violence Against Women Act was passed after over a decade of activism by survivors and advocates. While awareness events such as marches and speak outs were widely held during the month of April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month wasn't officially recognized until 2001.
Kent State has been recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month since the early 2000's and has hosted events including Take Back the Night Walks, Men's March Against Violence, Speakers such as Tarana Burke Katie Koestner and Movie Screenings such as "The Hunting Ground" and "The Voiceless." Additionally each April, there are opportunities for survivors to speak out and come together in healing and support.
Events for 2022
| April 7 | What Were You Wearing? Opening Reception | 5-7 PM at the Williamson House |
| April 8 – 12 | What Were You Wearing? Exhibit | 8 AM – 5 PM at the Williamson House |
| April 12 | Unlearning Sex (Movie Screening & Panel Discussion) | 6-8:30 PM at the Ballroom Balcony |
| April 18 | Service in Flash with CEL (Making self-care kits for survivors of intimate partner violence) | Noon - 1:30 PM at the Williamson House |
| April 20 | More than Words: Healing through the Arts | 1 – 4 PM at the Williamson House |
| April 27 | Denim Day (wear denim to reinforce that what someone wears is not the cause of sexual assault) | All Day on social media |
| April 27 & 28 | Clothesline Project Display | All Day 2nd floor Kent Student Center |
We also have our Titanium Tulips series
- April 5 – Spring Cleaning: Yoga Cleanse 6-7 PM at the Williamson House
- April 19 – Healthy Relationships: Outside the Box 6-8 PM at the Williamson House
- April 26 – Plants Grow and So Do You 6-8 PM at the Williamson House
Additionally on Tuesdays throughout the month we will host virtual Teal Tuesdays. Please wear teal and share on social media to show your support for survivors. #SAAMKSU2022