The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month throughout April by hosting a variety of events created to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it.
“I would like to encourage everyone to use this opportunity to consider how they can be part of the solution,” said Ashley Blamey, Title IX coordinator. “When we ask for consent, respect boundaries, and serve as active bystanders, we choose a community in which sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking are not tolerated. This month is an opportunity to build your knowledge, learn new skills, access resources, and share your ideas with us.”
The Office of Title IX, along with partners across campus, is leading efforts to provide multiple opportunities for campus community members to engage throughout the month.
Featured Events
Turn Henley Teal, April 1–7
See the pedestrian bridge over Henley Street turn teal for SAAM. While you are there, take a photo and tag yourself and the Sexual Assault Center of East Tennesee (SACET) in any pictures and use #SACETSAAM2022.
Office of Title IX Group Lunch Office Hours, in-person and virtual throughout April
Students, faculty, and staff are invited to join Ashley Blamey, Title IX Coordinator, for lunch office hours to have your Title IX-related questions answered, to provide feedback about how the Office of Title IX is doing, and to share ideas on how to improve, create, and maintain a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living, and working environment free from sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and retaliation. Lunch will be provided for the first 20 attendees in the Student Union Room 169. Various dates and times can be found on the Title IX website.
Trauma-Informed Responses to Sexual Assault, Tuesday, April 5, 11 a.m.–noon.
Ragan Schriver of the College of Social Work will be discussing how trauma affects individuals and how to support a friend who is dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event. Schriver will provide resources for help and discuss how to take care of yourself as you support your friends.
Vols ACT: Learn to Be an Active Bystander, multiple sessions throughout the month
The bystander training session teaches participants how to identify sexual harassment behaviors and red flags, understand the effects of harassment in academia, and apply the program to real-world situations to prevent and respond to sexual harassment. Register in advance at tiny.utk.edu/VolsACT or request training for your department or group by emailing Laura Bryant at lbryant@utk.edu.
Pop-up Speaker Series, all month
UT faculty, staff, and student presentations will be held throughout April. The presentations will last from 30 minutes to an hour. Visit tiny.utk.edu/SAAMUTK for a schedule of presentations.
Teal Day, Wednesday, April 13
Wear teal to support survivors of sexual assault. Let the world know you support survivors and are someone they can to talk to if they need to reach out.
Sexual Assault Survivor Support Group, Wednesday, April 13, 5:30 p.m.
Last fall the Office of Title IX partnered with PhD students in counseling psychology to explore the needs of sexual assault survivors at UT, and their recommendations included a dedicated support group for survivors. Starting April, 13, the Counselor Training Clinic in the College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences will launch a group designed to provide a confidential community for students to feel safe, find support, and connect with others. The group will meet weekly and is open to all UT students who identify as victims or survivors of sexual assault. Questions can be directed to the Counselor Training Clinic at ctc@utk.edu.
Title IX Annual Report and Q&A with Campus and Community Partners, Tuesday, April 26, 2 p.m., Student Union Room 262 B/C
Join the Office of Title IX for a presentation of its 2021 annual report, including a brief review of services, supports, and prevention offered by the Office of Title IX with campus and community partners. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.
Denim Day, April 27
In 1992 the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because the justices felt that the victim must have helped the rapist remove her tight jeans, thereby implying consent. Wear your favorite denim on April 27 to combat myths, support survivors, and bring awareness to the issue of sexual assault.
Vol Voices Research Survey, all month
Faculty, staff, and students can share their experiences and perceptions related to sexual misconduct with a survey launching on April 1. An email will be sent out on the day of launch that includes a direct link to the survey.
For a full list of events, visit the UT calendar website.