Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The Rape Victim Advocacy Program recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month each year in April. Sexual assault centers nationwide highlight public awareness to end sexual violence and to honor victims'/survivors' experiences.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2008 Events:
- April 3rd: National Day to End Sexual Violence– Light a candle to honor the strength of victims/survivors, the support of their loved ones, and the power of healing.
- April 4th: Silent Witness–
Over 100 people stood in silence for 15 minutes to attest to the fact that sexual assault occurs in our community. This visual expression was a call to end sexual violence and honor survivors. In the Pentacrest area, 12:00-12:30pm. Co-sponsored by Greek Week.
- April 16th: Crime Victim’s Rights Week Opening Ceremony– A ceremony to mark the start of the National Crime Victim Rights Week will be held at 5:30pm in the Iowa City City Council Chambers. (410 E. Washington St. Iowa City)
- April 17th: Jackson Katz– An interactive, multi-media presentation that interposes irreverent humor with unpleasant reality:. More than a few good men, American manhood and violence against women, 7pm UI campus, McBride Hall Auditorium. Sponsored by the Domestic Violence Intervention Program.
- April 23rd: Clothesline Project- A visual display of t-shirts created by sexual assault and domestic violence survivors. On the Pentacrest lawn, 10am-3pm. Co-Sponsored by the Global Health Club.
- April 1st–30th: Cup of Prevention– Visit the following participating coffee shops for information on counseling, hospital services, risk reduction tips, and safety whistles: Java Lounge (Williamsburg), The Coffee Corner (Washington), Capanna Coffee and Gelato (Iowa city), House of Aromas (Iowa City, Coralville), Fairgrounds (Iowa City), Spotlight Café (Tipton), New Pioneer Coop (Iowa City, Coralville), Corridor Coffee (North Liberty). Co-sponsored by the Johnson Country Sexual Assault Response Team.
- April 1st–30th: Prom Promise– In conjunction with local florists, small cards with a reminder to be respectful and to communicate openly on prom night will be distributed in corsage and boutonniere boxes ordered for prom.
All events are free and open to the public. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact the RVAP office in advance at 319.335.6001.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2007 Events:
Download the complete calendar of events!
- April 12th: Silent Witness
Over 160 people joined us to stand up against the violence in our community from 12:15-12:30 at the Pentacrest. Sponsored by RVAP, Phi Kappa Psi and in part by Coca Cola.
- April 17th: Clothesline Project Instalation
A visual display of shirts designed by women who are victim/survivors of sexual violence was available for viewing on the Pentacrest of the UI campus, as well as virtual displays in the public libraries of: Tipton, Mechanicsville, Stanwood, and Coralville. Sponsored by RVAP and The College of Public Health Student Organization.
Watch the Daily Iowan slideshow and news coverage.
- April 1st-30st: “Cup of Prevention”
Patrons of several coffee shops saw our “Cup of Prevention” displays featuring information on services, prevention tips, and hospital services, along with free whistles. Participating coffee shops were: Hill of Beans (Durant), House of Aromas (Iowa City, 3 locations), Coffee Corner (Washington), New Pioneer Co-op (Coralville and Iowa City), Stoplight Cafe (Tipton), Starbucks (Iowa City), Corridor Coffee (North Liberty), and Java Lounge (Williamsburg) Sponsored by the Johnson County Sexual Assault Response Team (JCSART) and RVAP.
- April 1st-30st- Book Displays
Severl bookstores and bookshops displayed information on sexual assault. Book lists and book marks were available at the Public Libraries of Stanwood, Tipton, Mechanicsville, Coralville, North Liberty, and Lowden, as well as Iowa Book
- April 1st-30th- Prom Promise
Throughout the Prom season local florists included a "Prom Promise" card in all corsage and boutonniere boxes. This reminder for a safe and healthy prom night was co-sponsored by RVAP and Sueppels Flowers (Iowa City), Hy-Vee Floral (Iowa City), Rosa's Inc (Marengo), Tipton Greenhouse and Florist (Tipton), Jan's Flower Yard (West Liberty), Down to Earth Florist (Iowa City), Pleasant Valley Flower Shoppe (Iowa City), Daisy's on the Square (Tipton), Garrison's Garden Market (Wilton), and Knipfer Flowers (North English).
- April 16th: City Proclamation
Mayor Ross Wilburn proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Iowa City.
- April 21st: Night Games
The UI Field House had a night of drug and alcohol free activities from 9pm-1am.
- April 23rd : Crime Victim’s Rights Week Opening Ceremony.
Held in the Iowa City Civic Center (410 E Washington St) at 5:30pm
- April 26th: Mike Domitrz
Mike Domitrz, a leading expert on relationships and sexual assault presented to local youth to promote healthy communication. His presentation “Can I Kiss You?” teaches young adults the importance of communication and consent.
Past SAAM events have included:
- Gail Stern’s Rant! – a comedy show about language, gender & respect
- Displays of The Clothesline Project
- Film screenings of Cohen’s Wife by Nava Nussan Heifetz, War Zone by Maggie Hadleigh-West, and Searching for Angela Shelton by Angela Shelton
- Candlelight Vigils
- Fundraisers. For more information on how to donate to RVAP, visit the Giving page
