Awareness Events
The CARE Center, CWGE, and the SCAAR team collaborate with departments across campus to host events that increase understanding of the complexities of various forms of sexual violence, encourage conversation, help survivors to break their silence and create a more supportive and safer campus community.
Listed below is a sampling of events we have hosted throughout the years. However, we are always looking for partners to offer different programming, events, etc. to our campus community on the topic of sexual violence. Please contact Megan at mag7@stmarys-ca.edu if you have an idea or want to participate!
Clothesline Project
The Clothesline Project originated on Cape Cod, MA in 1990. It supports survivors and victims of gender-based violence by making and displaying t-shirts. Creating a shirt provides participants with the opportunity to express themselves with a new voice, one that was often silenced previously. Survivors, family, friends, and those who want to show their support for those affected by intimate partner violence or sexual assault are invited to participate. The clothesline and the shirts on display provide an opportunity to bring awareness to our campus community and stand in solidarity with survivors of abuse. Violence is not tolerated at SMC.
Denim Day
Denim Day is the result of the 1992 case, in which an 18-year-old in Italy was picked up by her driving instructor to begin a driving lesson. Soon after, she was raped on the side of the road by the instructor. She pressed charges and won her case. The instructor appealed, and the case went to the Italian High Court. In 1999 the court overturned the conviction with a member of the High Court declaring that since the victim wore very tight jeans, the instructor could not have removed them himself, therefore the victim must have willingly participated.
In April 1999 the state of California established the first Denim Day in the U.S.
Take Back The Night
Take Back the Night is an evening of speaking out against sexual assault , misconduct, and harassment. Students, staff, faculty, and community members will share their stories, read poetry, play music, and honor sexual assault survivors and victims. Help us to bring an end to rape culture and gender and power based violence by standing in solidarity with survivors and allies. An open mic, a march around campus, and a candle light vigil will follow the speakers.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
It evolved from the "Day of Unity" held in October, 1981. It was conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. In 1989, Congress passes Public Law 101-112 designating Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Throughout the month, The CARE Center (Campus Assault Response and Education), along with support from other campus departments, hosts various events and programs during the month. The purple color was chosen to be a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending violence.
YOU can get involved to help spread awareness and create a safe community for us all. Email mag7@stmarys-ca.edu.
Help us raise awareness, educate others, encourage healthy and respecful relationships, and show support in solidarity for those impacted by IPV. Come by the office and make a t shirt for the clothesline project; pick up a purple ribbon to wear proudly, post on social media, host a tabling event to pass out information...