ABQ Times

Every 68 seconds, an American over the age of 12 is sexually assaulted. Each April, The University of New Mexico’s LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center joins organizations around the country in prevention efforts and educational campaigns in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Julia Egger, campus advocate with LoboRESPECT, emphasized the importance of supporting and empowering those who have experienced sexual violence while also educating students on addressing issues like rape culture, victim blaming, and misogyny. Egger stated, “It's important to support and empower those who have experienced sexual violence while also teaching our students how to address issues like rape culture, victim blaming, and misogyny to create both a campus and world that is free from sexual violence.”

Lisa Lindquist, director of LoboRESPECT, highlighted the efforts made by students and staff to enhance this year's events, aiming to engage the campus community in new and creative ways. Lindquist stated, “Creating space for the campus community to have increased engagement with us about these issues has been the theme of this year’s events and we hope folks will take advantage of that, participate when they can and learn some things.”

The events planned for this year include a Day of Action Consent Fair, Sole Survivor, Jewelry Jam, and the Sex Signals Program. These events are designed to raise awareness, provide spaces for survivors, and engage students through various activities.

The Day of Action Consent Fair on Tuesday, April 2, will feature games, prizes, and opportunities to learn more about resource centers on campus. Participants are encouraged to wear teal in support of survivors of sexual violence.

On Tuesday, April 9, the Sole Survivor event at Smith Plaza will showcase a visualization of over 460 pairs of shoes representing the 463,000 individuals who experience sexual assault and rape each year. Donations of shoes are being accepted to help create the installation.

Survivors of sexual violence are invited to join LoboRESPECT for the Jewelry Jam event on Tuesday, April 16, at the ASUNM Arts and Crafts Studio. The event offers an opportunity to make jewelry in a supportive environment.

The month's events will culminate with the Sex Signals Program on Tuesday, April 23, at the SUB Theater. The program aims to make conversations about consent and sex entertaining and engaging.

Participants are encouraged to visit the LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center's website to learn more about the services offered and to get involved in the events planned for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.