Organization News
Save the Date: Denim Day Is April 27
4/25/2022
While the conversations around sexual violence can be difficult and you may not know the right thing to say, it’s important to learn ways you can support survivors throughout their journey. We hope this provides an opportunity to open the door for these discussions.
Did You Know There Is A Specific Day In Honor Of Sexual Assault Awareness Month?
It’s called Denim Day and this year, it’s on Wednesday, April 27. The campaign works to bring awareness to victim-blaming and myths surrounding sexual violence. Mark your calendar and plan your denim ‘fit in support of survivors. Want to learn more about the origins of Denim Day? Click here.
Ways To Support Survivors
- Believe them. Assure them that you believe what they experienced happened and that it was not their fault.
- Be available. Let them know you’re there to listen without judgment whenever they need to talk.
- Empower them. Encourage them to decide what next steps they feel comfortable taking. Remember: Don’t take their control away. It’s up to them to decide.
- Maintain confidentiality. It’s up to the survivor to decide who they tell about the assault.
- Take care of yourself. It’s important to remember that, as a resource and support system to a survivor, you too may need your own support.
Looking For More?
There are a couple more resources we wanted to pass along, including:
- The number of crisis hotlines available for immediate assistance or support. For Kappas in the United States, the number is 1-800-656-HOPE. And for our members in Canada, the number is 1-866-863-0511.
- For those looking for a local sexual violence center, encourage them to visit centers.rainn.org (U.S.) or canadianwomen.org/support-services/ (Canada).
- Find out what resources and contacts are available through your university. Resources for prevention and support, campus police, student affairs, Title IX office and residence life are all good places to start.
Watch the Healthy Relationships episode of Wellness Wednesdays with Bonny Shade an expert in sexual assault awareness and prevention, or her Healthy Relationships webinar. You’ll learn how you can empower other women, help end campus-based sexual violence and build better communities. Why this topic? Because one in four women is a survivor of sexual assault. Survivors are worth it. You're worth it.