April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. A teal ribbon is the symbol of sexual violence prevention. Affirmative Action and Equity Compliance (AAEC) and our partners, host events and programs to provide sexual assault education, outreach and support to survivors and those affected by sexual assault.
AAEC will host our first ever “Got a Minute” series focused on different aspects of sexual assault. All are welcome to join in the conversation. Presentations will take place each Tuesday in April from noon until 1:00 p.m. The first three Tuesday presentations will take place in Holmes Student Center-Capitol Room and the final Tuesday presentation will take place in Holmes Student Center-Sky Room. Beginning April 4th we will discuss Myths and Facts about Sexual Assault, April 11th Wellness Promotion will focus on becoming an Active Bystander, April 18th Safe Passage, the local rape crisis team and domestic violence shelter will educate on victim services in the community and April 25th will round out the month with the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center providing education on investigation, advocacy and bystander support through a gender and sexual identity lens. The name of students who bring a friend to any of these events will be placed in a drawing for either a Chipotle Gift Card or Walmart gift card. One gift card will be given at each event. One page, “Got a Minute” tip sheets will be available on the AAEC website that focus on the above topics and many more.
In addition to the introduction of the “Got a Minute” series, Wellness Promotion will conduct two Active Bystander trainings. The first will be April 7th and the second April 17th. They will be held at the Chick Evans Field House. More information can be found by contacting Wellness Promotion.
Two “Jungle Red” days will take place on Wednesday, April 19th and Thursday, April 20th from 11-1 at various locations around campus. A “Jungle Red” activity is conducted by student and employee groups. Volunteers set up tables and paint students and employees pinkie nails red, to symbolize our efforts to recognize and support those affected by sexual violence. Volunteers are still needed for this fun activity. Gather your group and contact aaec_training@niu.edu to help.
Safe Passage will kick the month off with a “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event at the NIU Convocation Center on Saturday, April 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon. “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes”, is a national initiative focused on encouraging men to raise awareness about sexual assault against women. Individuals walk a mile in high heel shoes to signify walking in the shoes of a survivor.
As you can see April is full of a variety of events and activities to focus on education and support for those affected by sexual assault and violence.
For additional information or to volunteer contact AAEC at aaec_training@niu.edu. Information will also be available on the AAEC website at http://www.niu.edu/aaec/.
