April 3, 2018
CARE encourages you to embrace your voice for Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2018
The K-State Center for Advocacy, Response and Education, or CARE, will host several events in April in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2018.
The things you say every day sends a message about your beliefs and values. With this year's theme for Sexual Assault Awareness Month being "Embrace Your Voice," we hope that the K-State community will stand together by sending powerful messages of support for survivors of sexual violence.
The history of Sexual Assault Awareness Month can be traced back to the late 1970s in England where women held protests featuring "Take Back the Night" marches in response against violence they encountered while walking after sundown. By the 1980s, there was an increased focus and awareness on violence against women throughout the U.S. which expanded to include violence against men. The National Coalition Against Sexual Assault declared a week in April for Sexual Assault Awareness Week. Later in the 1990s, the week was expanded to a whole month. On April 1, 2001, the U.S. observed the first Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The CARE office invites the K-State community to the following events to learn, have dialogue, and help spread awareness about sexual violence:
• "What Were You Wearing?" Survivor Art Installation through April 6 in the William T. Kemper Art Gallery on the first floor of the K-State Student Union. The installation provides a tangible response to one of our culture's most pervasive rape myths. Featured outfits were created from the stories of K-State survivors.
• Wellness Week — Teal Ribbon Event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 3 on the Union's terrace. Raise awareness and help support survivors in their healing by creating a link of encouraging words on teal ribbon. Teal is the color representing Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
• Wellness Week — Take What You Need from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 5 on the Union's terrace. Raise awareness and help support healthy communication by creating and taking words of affirmation shared by the K-State community.
• A Pledge to End Sexual Violence from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 9, 10 and 13 at the K-State Student Union. Help spread awareness by taking a pledge against violence by dipping your hands in paint and stamping them on to a canvas to represent "These Hands Won’t Hurt."
• Glow Zumba: Shedding a Light on Survivors from 8:30-10 p.m. April 11 at the Rec Complex. Join CARE and the Rec Complex for a night of Zumba where we will honor those who have been affected by sexual violence and glow our way through fitness.
• #SurvivorLoveLetterCampaign the week of April 16-20 on Facebook and Instagram. This campaign will take place on Facebook and Instagram to capture the K-State community uplifting and empowering those who have been affected by sexual violence.
• Day of Silence from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 27 on the Union's terrace. Help us raise awareness regarding harassment, prejudice and discrimination faced by underserved individuals. This photo shoot will be a way for the K-State community to actively take a stance against violence.
CARE advocates are available to meet with K-State students, faculty and staff members who have been affected by sexual violence, dating or domestic violence, stalking, or sexual harassment. Advocates offer confidential support and aid survivors in exploring their options.
For more information or to set up an appointment, call 785-532-6444 or email ksucare@k-state.edu.