Every April is nationally designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Because sexual assault affects everyone—survivors, family, friends, loved ones—we all have a unique role in challenging sexual assault. This month, take action—attend a virtual rally, workshop, or training—and let’s talk about how we can support survivors and help end rape.
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, “the goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence.” GovState plans events to support survivors and encourage bystanders to intervene.
Schedule of Events
Clothesline Project Display
Location: Hall of Governors and D Wing Atrium
Date: March
30th, 2026 - April 6th 2026
The Clothesline Project started on Cape Cod, MA in 1990 to address the issue of violence against women. The Clothesline Project is a visual display bearing witness to gender based violence. The display features shirts designed by victims/survivors of sexual abuse and their supportive circle of friends and family. The shirts hang side-by-side on a clothesline as testimony to the problem of sexual violence and to “Break the Silence” often connected to this type of violence. Hosted in collaboration with the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. For more information about the history of the project:.https://www.theclotheslineproject.org/
Clothesline Project Tee Shirt Making Event
Location: D Wing Atrium
Date: Tuesday April 7th, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm -5:30 pm
Come and join us as we decorate tee shirts in support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Donated shirts will be added to GovState’s Clothesline Project Display. ASAP community partners will be facilitating. Wear teal to the event to show support for survivors.
Teal Tuesday - Jaguars Wears Teal
Date: Every Tuesday in April
Chances are someone in your life is a survivor of sexual harassment, assault, or abuse, even if they have never shared their story with you. Make a statement with fashion and show your support for survivors of sexual harassment and abuse by wearing teal — the color of sexual violence prevention — every Tuesday in April. Post your creativity and support using #SAAM2026.
Panel Discussion in Honor of SAAM
Location: Hall of Honors
Date: Tuesday April, 7th, 2026
Time: 2:30pm -3:30 pm
Join us for a powerful panel discussion on the steps you can take to break the silence and support survivors in the fight against gender-based violence. Our trauma-informed panelists, representing the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE), Apna Ghar, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, and Guardian Angel Community Services – Sexual Assault Service Center (SASC), and Arab American Family Services will share their expertise and insights.
This discussion is open to all, and we encourage audience participation—questions are welcome!
Teal Tuesday Resource Tabling Event
Date: Every Tuesday in April
Time: 11 am -2 pm
Location: Lakeside Cove
Jaguars can meet with ASAP community partners connect with internships and volunteer opportunities, as well as resources that support change.
SAAM Resource Tables
Location: Lakeside Cove
Join ASAP Community Partners to discuss internships, volunteering and community resources.
Date, Time & Agency:
Wednesday April 1st 3:00pm-5:00pm Arab American Family Services
Friday April 3rd 1:00pm-2:00pm Anew Building Beyond Violence and Abuse
Wednesday April 15th - 12:00pm-3:00pm Crisis Center of South Suburbia
Thursday April 16th 2:00pm-6:00pm Groundwork
Thursday April 23rd 3:00pm-5:00pm Arab American Family Services
Denim Day Display
Date: April 23rd – April 30th, 2026
Location: D Wing Atrium
The Denim Day Display showcases student-decorated denim with powerful messages speaking out against gender-based violence. It honors Denim Day- April 29th, the global movement that challenges rape culture, stands against injustice, and supports SAAM. For more information please see https://www.denimdayinfo.org
Donuts & Denim Day Wear Denim to Take A Stand
Date: Wednesday, April 29th, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
What you wear is never consent for sexual violence-Denim Day was sparked by a 1998 Italian Supreme Court decision that overturned a rape conviction because the survivor was wearing tight jeans. Join millions of people across the world in wearing jeans with the purpose to support Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).
Join advocates, activists, survivors, and supporters who are getting involved in Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April on Instagram #SAAM2026, #25YearsStronger, #LookingBackMovingForward, #SupportSurvivors, #PreventionIsPossible.
Community Partner Sponsored SAAM Events
Sponsored by:
Advocating for Sexual Assault Prevention (ASAP) Team
Website: www.govst.edu/asap
YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
Website: www.ywcachicago.org
YWCA Metropolitan RAPE CRISIS HOTLINES:
South Suburbs: 708.748.5672
Chicago: 888.293.2080
Guardian Angel Community Services
Website: www.gacsprograms.org
24/7 Hotline - (815)730-8984
Spanish Speaking Hotline - (815)263-0521
More information about Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is available at the National Sexual Violence Resource Center website.