Garnett S. Stokes, President - The University of New Mexico Board of Regents | University of New Mexico
Garnett S. Stokes, President - The University of New Mexico Board of Regents | University of New Mexico
April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in the United States, a time dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence and promoting its prevention. Celebrating 24 years of recognition, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) is emphasizing a theme of "Together We Act, United We Change" to highlight the collective efforts needed to address sexual abuse, assault, and harassment.
The University of New Mexico (UNM) is actively participating in SAAM, with various university departments uniting to support the NSVRC's mission. The LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center, the Women’s Resource Center, and Sigma Chi Fraternity will organize four events to bolster community support and share resources.
The month-long observance kicks off with the Day of Action Consent Fair on April 1 at the Student Union Building. Participants will engage in consent-related activities and gain insights from campus advocacy centers. Attendees are encouraged to wear teal, a color symbolizing support for survivors of sexual harassment and abuse.
On April 8, UNM will host "The Real Flex: Engaging Men & Masculine People in Violence Prevention Conference," also at the Student Union Building. This event aims to foster dialogue on gender-based violence and is open to all members of the UNM community.
The Sole Survivor art installation will take place on April 15 at Smith Plaza. The display will feature shoes representing survivors of sexual violence in the U.S., serving as a poignant reminder of the impact of such violence.
The Women’s Resource Center will host a "Crafternoon" on April 22, offering a supportive space for students and community members to discuss important topics and connect with advocates.
Additionally, since 2016, LoboRESPECT has offered The Grey Area sexual assault prevention training program, accessible to all UNM students. This mandatory program is part of UNM’s agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to improve campus policies on sexual harassment and misconduct.
Students required to complete this training will receive an email from LoboRESPECT with instructions on enrolling in a session. More information is available on the LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center and Women’s Resource Center websites.