Sexual Assault Awareness Month Activities Scheduled for VSU

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) activities will be held April 5-14, on the campus of Valdosta State University.

"National Awareness Day to End Sexual Violence," takes place on April 5. It is a national day on college campuses and in communities across the U.S. to bring awareness to sexual violence. The Greek chapters at VSU will be handing out free ribbons, car decals, respect cards, information, and more at the University Center and the University Union from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"SAAM I AM," a panel discussion and candlelight vigil will be held on April 7. The panel will discuss taboo issues related to sexual violence, STD's, legal issues, and more. The candlelight vigil will be held in honor of victims of sexual violence across the nation. The panel will begin at 7 p.m and the vigil will follow at 7:45 p.m., in Powell Hall Auditorium. All Greek chapters will have a display on "Building Healthy and Respectful Relationships." Prizes will be given to the sorority and fraternity with the best display. Keynote speakers and advocates from VSU and the community will be present.

The last event is a seminar entitled, "Healthy versus Non-Healthy Relationships," presented by Leah McMillan, M.F.T. It will be held in the Dogwood Room of the University Center from 4-5 p.m., on April 14. The seminar will assist in recognizing the signs of negative vs. positive relationships, the reasons unhealthy relationships are chosen, and why everyone deserves a positive, healthy and respectful relationship.

According to a California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA) 2002 Report, after surveying more than 6,000 students at 32 colleges and universities in the U.S., 84% of sexual assault victims knew their attacker. SAAM events are intended to create awareness of sexual violence and promote positive sexual relationships.