Acknowledging Sexual Assault Awareness Month

March 26, 2025

The month of April holds with it the annual observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). SAAM is a time when we come together to raise awareness about sexual violence and its impact on survivors, families and communities. SAAM is an opportunity to educate about sexual assault prevention, advocate for survivors, and promote healing and recovery for those affected by sexual violence.

History of Sexual Assault Awareness Month

SAAM began officially in the United States in 2001 to bring attention to the issue of sexual violence and to promote prevention, healing and support for survivors. For many years leading up to the official recognition, community members were coming together to improve awareness of the widespread and serious problem of sexual violence and the way in which these problems weren’t being adequately addressed. SAAM was created to raise awareness about the issue and encourage everyone to act to prevent sexual violence and support survivors.

The 2025 theme “Together We Act, United We Change” highlights the importance of working together to address and prevent sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. This campaign focuses on enhancing public understanding of sexual violence, amplifying the voices of survivors, and empowering us to work together to promote the safety and well-being of others.

Why you should participate in activities and events

Participating in SAAM activities is important because it provides an opportunity to build awareness and allyship around the issue of sexual violence. By attending events, you can learn about the impact of sexual violence on survivors, families and communities, and gain a better understanding of how collectively we can prevent it. It also helps to create safe and inclusive communities where survivors feel supported and valued. It sends a message that sexual violence will not be tolerated and that we all have a role to play in preventing it. By coming together to raise awareness and support survivors, we can create a world where everyone can live free from fear of sexual assault.

Join in the many activities taking place this month

Through various activities happening around Georgian campuses, students and employees will be able to engage in a variety of activities to grow further in their understanding of the following topics:

• Challenging victim-blaming narratives – Understanding how harmful myths that contribute to rape culture and learning how to shift these perspectives.
• Empowerment and solidarity – Using creative activism to express support for survivors and promote a culture of empowerment and allyship.
• Consent and awareness – Engaging in conversations that emphasize the importance of consent, boundaries, and respectful relationships.
• Justice and advocacy – Raising awareness about systemic injustices faced by survivors and encouraging advocacy for policy changes.

Clothesline activity

We’re leaving our thoughts, feelings and frustrations on the line in this clothesline-themed activity inspired by The Dove Centre. Through displays of outfits worn by victims when assaulted, participants will be asked to put positive messages onto the outfits to challenge the narrative of assault-inviting clothing. Use your voice and share that it doesn’t matter what someone is wearing – sexual violence is never okay. Messages will be hung on a line during the course of the event and throughout the entire month of April.

• Barrie Campus | Wednesday, April 2, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Marketplace.
• Orillia Campus | Wednesday, April 2, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the cafeteria.

“Let’s talk about it” event

The event aims to create a safe and judgment-free space for students to discuss important but often stigmatized topics related to sex education, relationships and personal safety. It will feature interactive activities, expert-led discussions and resources from community organizations, including counseling services, health units and advocacy groups. Participants can engage in activities like “That’s Hot,” mocktail awareness, and consent education while accessing information on safe practices, healthy relationships, and available campus and community support. A raffle and prize system will encourage participation, fostering a supportive and informative environment.

• Barrie Campus | Monday, April 7,  11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the upstairs area of The Last Class.
• Orillia Campus | Wednesday, April 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Lounge.

Art for Change: Bandanas of Hope

Bandanas of Hope is a creative activism initiative for participants to design white bandanas with messages of support, symbols of empowerment, and artwork that fosters solidarity with workplace sexual violence and harassment. Through this expressive medium, the initiative raises awareness and amplifies voices in the fight against sexual violence.

• Barrie Campus | Monday, April 7,  11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the upstairs area of The Last Class.
• Orillia Campus | Wednesday, April 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Lounge.

Wear Denim Week: Social media campaign

This social media campaign by @peermentorgc aims to raise awareness about victim-blaming in sexual assault cases by highlighting the “Jeans Alibi”—a case where a rapist was acquitted because the judge believed the victim’s tight jeans implied consent.

The campaign will encourage people to wear denim on April 30 as a symbol of solidarity with survivors and to shed light on the many victims who never receive justice due to rape culture. Through posts, hashtags and digital engagement, the campaign seeks to challenge harmful narratives and advocate for change.

Get involved in other ways

• Follow along on Georgian’s social media channels to get engaged with posts about Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
• Join local events or activities for sexual assault awareness in your community.
• Learn more about the history of SAAM, and what you can do to support survivors and help prevent sexual violence.

This post was originally published in March 2023 and updated in March 2025.