Throughout the month of April, the Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) campaign aims to inform people about ways that individuals and communities can take steps toward preventing sexual assault by promoting safety, respect, and equality (National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 2016). Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to heighten awareness of this issue and show their solidarity and support by wearing a teal ribbon, available for free in Advising, Counseling & Career Services and Student Life. Faculty and staff are encouraged to review the NSVRC’s Action Steps for Faculty and Staff handout to learn more about what they can do to help prevent sexual assault.

The Sexual Assault and Violence Education (SAVE) Task Force is holding a kick-off event on SAAM Day of Action, April 5, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in A. Lincoln Commons. The event will consist of:
• SAAM Educational Area showcasing TED Talks and Public Service Announcements about preventing sexual assault
• Informational handouts,
• High Heel cupcake fundraiser to support Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault
• Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Runway Show, where male participants are challenged to walk down the runway in heels.
Participants are encouraged to use one of the #SAAM or #WalkAMileInHerShoes hashtags in order to get a discount on cupcakes, and the winner of the runway walk will win dinner for two at Bistro Verde. We encourage faculty and staff to stop by the event and encourage students to attend.

Anyone experiencing sexual assault or gender-based violence should reach out to the LLCC Police Department (217.786.2278) or their local police department. Additionally, the LLCC Advising, Counseling, and Career Services office (217.786.2224) provides free counseling to students. If you would like to help promote SAAM or have questions, please contact Shelby Bedford at Shelby.bedford@llcc.edu.