April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This month was designated to bring awareness and prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse towards all humankind. The theme for April 2023 “Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity” called for individuals, communities, organizations, and institutions to change ourselves, our thought process and the systems surrounding us to build racial equity and respect for each other and those around us. This month was filled with a number of activities to bring awareness to sexual assault, prevention methods and ways to find support for survivors, perpetrators and their families. The City of Chicago is hosting a number of events for survivors, their families and supporters to educate and advocate for sexual assault prevention. If you want to know how to get involved in this worthy cause, take a look at some events happening at the end of this month in the city.
Every Tuesday, people wore or will wear the color Teal or a ribbon for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Many survivors also participated in the 30 Days of SAAM Instagram Challenge where they shared their stories on social media, posted SAAM events, and educated the public about sexual assault prevention.
Denim Day (Wear Jeans to School/Work)
Denim Day was originated in 1998 by an Italian Supreme Court decision that overturned a rape conviction on the grounds that the survivor was wearing tight jeans. Join survivors across the city and wear denim in some form to show support.
For more information please see https://www.denimdayinfo.org
Wednesday, April 26, 2023 All Day
Our Resilience
Art Therapy Support Group
Come out and learn how to use art expression as a coping strategy and practice with other survivors. Discover ways to find deeper understanding of difficult experiences, healing processes, and transitions. This virtual support group is open to adult survivors 18+, who are residents of Illinois. All genders are welcome. Appropriate participants may be anyone who has experienced sexual violence, including harassment, abuse, or assault. All interested participants may contact Art Therapist Annalise Castro, MAATC at acastro@ourresilience.org to set up a screening phone call. This is the last of this 8-week session.
Thursday, April 27th 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Our Resilience
Monthly Journaling and Meditation Group
Join sexual assault survivors in a virtual space for survivors to learn how to process trauma through journaling and guided meditation. This event is every 4th Wednesday from 4:30 pm -5:30 pm. Contact Alexa Diego, LPC at adiego@ourresilience.org to request the meeting link.
Wednesday, April 26 -4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Our Resilience
Group for Black Women Sexual Violence Survivors
This psychoeducational support group for African American women, trans women, and nonbinary survivors of sexual violence will focus on developing coping skills, and achieving self-empowerment. This event is for Illinois residents only, ages 18 and up. If you’re interested in joining please contact Gaby Carlwell at gmolden@ourresilience.org or 773-287-6058.
Thursday, April 27th 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. This is a virtual event.
If you can’t get to one of these events, you can get involved in other ways.
● Educate yourself and others about acts of sexual violence. Read literature, listen to well-informed podcasts or contact a trained professional to get more information on how you can become a part of the movement.
● Collaborate with community partners to host forms and discussions about sexual assault prevention.
● Read, sign and circulate the SAAM Proclamation.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual violence of any kind and is seeking additional support, or if you are seeking more ways to get involved please contact the Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline at 888-293-2080, https://www.ourresilience.org or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.