Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April)

Events: 

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 assault, misconduct, and/or harassment. 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. 

Let's Give a Round of Applause!

Every year, many departments and student groups come together to make these events (and others) possible including: The Intercultural Center, Campus Safety, The Health Center, The Women's and Gender Studies Department, Residential Experience, The Communication Department, The Office of Community Life, the Associate Dean of Students, PRIDE, Hermanas Unidas, BSU Sistas, Gael Sisterhood, the Lounge, and more.