Final Week of SAAM Brings Denim Day and 'What Were You Wearing?' Art Installation

This week is the final week of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved and raise awareness against sexual violence.

Along with Denim Day, a coffee chat and a Title IX resource fair, the Sexual & Relationship Violence Center will display its signature "What Were You Wearing?" survivor art. This impactful exhibit brings a striking truth to debunking the popular myth surrounding clothing and sexual assault. The display will be up for viewing starting on Monday, April 25, through Thursday, April 28, in the Union Connections Lounge.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an opportunity to renew our commitment against sexual violence. It affords the chance to remind us that the university strongly condemns and has serious policies to address sexual violence; educational training programs for students, faculty and staff; as well as processes for reporting and investigating incidents of sexual violence. The university also provides resources of support and advocacy for victims and survivors.

We encourage all to unite and participate in Sexual Assault Awareness Month events throughout April. Each week, a complete list of events will be featured in the daily Arkansas News email and on news.uark.edu. Events may also be found on the RESPECT calendar and the Title IX Outreach Initiative page. Please note that some of these events contain sensitive information regarding sexual and relationship violence.

As SAAM events unfold, the university truly wishes wellness for the entire community. The university recognizes that individuals who have experienced sexual violence are at different points in their healing processes. So, for anyone who may personally struggle as SAAM events receive heightened attention, a reminder that confidential campus support resources include the Sexual and Relationship Violence Center and CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services), both of the Pat Walker Health Center. Assistance may also be sought through U of A Cares and the Title IX Office.

As a reminder, incidents of sexual harassment, misconduct, assault and discrimination may be reported through report.uark.edu.

SAAM 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

T.E.A.L. Coffee Chat
Monday, April 25, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Sexual and Relationship Violence Center)

• As part of an ongoing series, this Coffee Chat will focus on “learning” of the history of a global phenomenon known as “What Were You Wearing? Survivor Art Installation.”
• The exhibit was created at the U of A and first displayed on campus in 2014.  
• Since then, hundreds of exhibits have been displayed around the world and translated into many languages. 
• Dr. Mary A. Wyandt-Hiebert, co-creator of “What Were You Wearing?” will share its history and significance through a question and answer conversation of tea (and coffee of course).

What Were You Wearing? Survivor Art Installation
Monday, April 25, through Thursday, April 28 (Union Connections Lounge)

• The impactful exhibit that brings striking truth to debunking the popular myth surrounding clothing and sexual assault. 
• The exhibit was created by staff of the Sexual and Relationship Violence Center and first displayed on campus in April 2014. 

Resource Fair – Title IX Tuesday
Tuesday, April 26, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Arkansas Union Rooms 512-514)

• The U of A Title IX Office will be hosting a Resource Fair for members of the campus community. 
• Resources from Equal Opportunity, Compliance & Title IX; Arkansas Employee Assistance Program; Sexual and Relationship Violence Center (SRVC); NWA Center for Sexual Assault; and U of A Cares will be available.

Denim Day
Wednesday, April 27, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Union Connections Lounge)

• Denim Day takes place on the last Wednesday of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
• This day of action and awareness is an event in which people are encouraged to wear denim to combat victim blaming and educate others about sexual violence. 

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the top 3% of U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.