Augusta University recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Observed in April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an annual campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault and educate communities on how to prevent sexual violence. A major supporter of sexual assault education on campus is the Title IX Office, which consists of a coordinator, an investigator and liaisons from across the university.

Title IX is a U.S. federal civil rights law for gender equality that has existed since 1972. It functions to protect individuals from gender discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and domestic violence.

The campus and community are encouraged to take part in a variety of events to raise awareness. This year’s SAAM schedule includes:

• The Clothesline Project, throughout the month of April: This initiative displays T-shirts that feature messages and illustrations designed by survivors of sexual assault or allies of sexual violence prevention. The project is displayed on the Summerville Campus (at the History Walk and Allgood Hall), Forest Hills Campus and Health Sciences Campus (at Jaguar Park).
• Wellness Wednesday will be from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on April 12 at the Ed Commons Patio on the Health Science Campus. The event is to bring awareness to sexual assault, healthy relationships and sexual health. Jags Live Well will host the resource fair featuring campus and community partners, activities, giveaways and food.
• Augusta University softball game at 4 p.m. Friday, April 14 will recognize 50 years of Title IX and bring awareness to sexual violence. There will be campus resources, activities, giveaways and a food truck at Jaguar Field on the Forest Hills Campus.
• Walk A Mile, 10 a.m. Saturday, April 15: Alpha Chi Omega will host the 1-mile walk/run fundraiser to stop sexual assault and gender violence. This will be held on the Summerville Campus near the Grove.
• Wellness Wednesday will be from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on April 19 in the lobby of the Health Sciences Building on the Health Sciences Campus. This is to bring awareness to sexual assault, healthy relationships and sexual health. Jags Live Well will host the resource fair featuring campus and community partners, activities, giveaways and food.
• Combatting Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation in Georgia and South Carolina. This TEAMS event will start at 2 p.m. April 19. This is part of the Women’s and Gender Studies Biennial Symposium Series. Featured speakers are Amy Hutsell, human trafficking, child abuse and sexual assault program director at the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council of Georgia, and Monique Garvin, deputy director of the violence against women act and human trafficking programs at the South Carolina attorney general’s office.
• Take Back the Night, from 6 – 8 p.m. April 25 at the Summerville Campus History Walk will be the first in-person Take Back the Night in two years and the 24th event overall. It’s a collaboration of community and campus organizations ready to take a stand against sexual violence. There will be speeches and testimonies, campus organization tabling and a candlelight walk.
• Wellness Wednesday will be from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 26 at the Jaguar Student Activities Center patio on the Summerville Campus. This event is to bring awareness to sexual assault, healthy relationships and sexual health. Jags Live Well will host the resource fair featuring campus and community partners, activities, giveaways and food.

Email Julie Kneuker, Title IX coordinator at Augusta University, with questions about SAAM programming.