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
Date: March
28th, 2025 - April 30th 2025
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 as well as by friends and family to honor individuals who have died at the hands of abusers. 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.
Clothesline Project Tee Shirt Making Event
Location: D Wing Atrium
Date: Tuesday April 1st, 2025
Time: 12:00 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 - GovState 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 #SAAM2025.
Panel Discussion in Honor of SAAM
Location: Engbretson
Date: Tuesday April, 1st, 2024
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), will share their expertise and insights.
This discussion is open to all, and we encourage audience participation—questions are welcome!
SAAM Resource Tables
Location: D Wing
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Join ASAP Community Partners to discuss internships, volunteering and community resources.
Date, Time & Agency:
Dates: Wednesday April 2nd – 2pm-6pm- YWCA
Friday April 4th- 1:00pm-2:00pm- Anew Building Beyond Violence and Abuse
Monday April 7th – 10:00am-1:00pm YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
Wednesday April 9th - 12:00pm-3:00pm- Crisis Center of South Suburbia
Thursday April 10th - 10:00am-1:00pm YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
Tuesday April 15th - 2:00pm-6:00pm YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
Wednesday April 16th 10:00am-12:00 pm Groundwork
Wednesday April 16th 2:00pm-6:00 pm YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
Monday April 21st – 10:00am-1:00pm YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
Thursday April 24th 10:00 am-1:00pm YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
Tuesday April 29th -2:00pm-6:00pm YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
Wednesday April 30th 2:00pm-6:00pm YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
Donuts & Denim Day (Wear Jeans to School/Work)
Date: Wednesday, April 30th, 2025
Time: 1:00pm-5:00pm
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) in protest against injustice and rape culture.
For more information please see https://www.denimdayinfo.org
Join advocates, activists, survivors, and supporters who are getting involved in Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April on Instagram#SAAM2025
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
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
Website: www.nsvrc.org/SAAM
#SAAM2024
More information about Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is available at the National Sexual Violence Resource Center website.