Events Raise Sexual Violence Awareness

04/02/2024 

April is national Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and SUNY Cortland will host educational events and opportunities to raise awareness and show support for the many survivors of sexual and domestic violence.

• Teal Light Campaign – the campus entrance lights are turned to teal to send the message that we recognize and support survivors of sexual assault.
• The It’s On Us Instagram account will post messages throughout the month about sexual violence prevention.
• S’more Consent will be offered from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, in the Neubig Hall lobby. Make a s’more while learning about consent
• Save a Life Day from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, in the Student Life Center. Learn about all the ways you can help save a life. Working with representatives from Prevent Education, substance use and bystander intervention for sexual violence prevention topics will be covered.
• Drink specials will be available from Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 19. Partnering with Cortland Auxiliary Services, visit Fuel and Bookmark and choose from “Blueberry Boundaries” lemonade and have “consent is hot” coffee sleeves for hot beverages.
• Survivor resource bags will be made and disseminated to survivors of sexual violence.
• Take Back the Night will be held on Wednesday, April 24 beginning at 7 p.m. on Corey Union steps. Every semester at SUNY Cortland, Students Active for Ending Rape (SAFER) host a Take Back the Night event, which raises awareness about sexual assault through a community march and speeches.
• Also on Wednesday, April 24 is Denim Day, which began after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court following a rape conviction that was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans, that she must have helped the person who raped her remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. Campus members are invited to wear denim and stickers will be available in the Residence Life Office, Multicultural Life and Diversity Office, Athletics Office, the library and in the Miller Building.
• From 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, Planting Healthy Relationships will be held on Corey Union steps, with a rain location in the Corey Union lobby. Learn how to take care of healthy relationships as well as a succulent. Plants will be available to the first 100 participants

For more information, contact Prevention Educator Marissa Whitaker, Conley Counseling and Wellness Services by email or phone at 607-753-4728.