April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) — an important reminder to honor survivors, educate ourselves and take action. In a new video, UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D., shares the history of SAAM and ideas for how we can drive change to prevent sexual violence.

About SAAM

SAAM calls upon our UC community to focus on sexual-assault prevention and education efforts, show support for survivors, educate our community members about consent and ensure that the next generation fosters attitudes that promote healthy relationships, equality and respect. It has been recognized annually in April for 19 years — since 2001. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center offers a summary of this history that adds broader meaning to the campaign.

The theme for the 2021 SAAM campaign is “We Can Build Safe Online Spaces.” Its goal is “to create online spaces that are built on the foundational values of practicing consent, keeping kids safe and supporting survivors.”

Wear your support for SAAM

Did you know? You can show support for SAAM through your April fashion choices:

• Wear a teal ribbon throughout April: Wear a teal ribbon throughout the month to demonstrate your support for sexual assault victims and survivors.
• Wear teal on April 6: Wear a teal ribbon, shirt or other accessory to support SAAM on April 6, the SAAM Day of Action.
• Wear denim on April 28: Wednesday, April 28, 2021 is Denim Day. This movement was triggered by a 1990s ruling in which the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction. The justices felt that because the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped her rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. Wearing jeans on Denim Day has become a symbol of protest against misconceptions around sexual assault. Learn more.

Resources for sexual assault information and prevention

UC and UCOP Title IX offices and resources

UC is committed to creating and maintaining a community where all individuals who are employed or participate in university programs and activities can work and learn together in an atmosphere free of sexual violence and sexual harassment. For more information on the UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (SVSH) Policy, please visit the Systemwide Title IX Office website.

If you believe you have been subjected to discrimination or if someone you know is experiencing sexual violence or sexual harassment, the Discrimination/Affirmative Action/Title IX Officer John Sims can provide information and assistance.  Please visit the UCOP Title IX website for further information.

Community resources

• The Alameda County Family Justice Center, (510) 267-8800: A one-stop center with multiple providers under one roof serving individuals and families impacted by violence. They can provide or link people to a wide range of services.
• 24-hour crisis lines:
  • A Safe Place, (510) 536-7233
  • Asian Women’s Shelter (San Francisco), (877) 751-0880
  • Tri-Valley Haven, (800) 884-8119
  • Family Violence Law Center, (800) 947-8301
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1 (800) 799-7233
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center — Online Abuse and Trauma
• SafeWise Internet Safety Guide for Kids
• Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network — Tips for Talking with Survivors of Sexual Assault

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