Events to honor sexual assault awareness month

In honor of sexual assault awareness month (SAAM), Miami University is holding several events across campus to bring attention to sexual violence, how to prevent it and how to support those who are affected by it.

The Miami Student has compiled a list of events for students to attend throughout the month.

April 4

Coffee & Conversations | Trauma -Sensitive Yoga — McGuffey Hall mindfulness room 128, 6-8 p.m.

Oxford Community Yoga will join Miami’s Office of Student Wellness to host a session of trauma-sensitive yoga. The goal is to help survivors start the process of feeling at home in their bodies after an assault. This event is part of the survivor support series for survivors of sexual violence and other forms of interpersonal violence (domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment, dating violence, etc.)

*This event is open to all survivors of assault, regardless of gender or sexual identity.

April 16

Self-Defense training — Rec Center Basketball Court C, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Red Dragon Taekwondo club in conjunction with ASG is hosting the event to help develop community and confidence and create an open space to talk about safety on campus. The hosts recommend you bring a friend to practice with.

You can sign up here.

April 18

Coffee and Conversations | Reconnecting with Intimacy and Pleasure — McGuffey Hall mindfulness room 128, 6-8 p.m.

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Licensed counselor Carly Deremo will talk to students about how people’s views on intimacy and sex can change following sexual assault. This event is being hosted by The Office of Student Wellness. It is part of the survivor support series for survivors of sexual violence and other forms of interpersonal violence.

*This event is open to all survivors of assault, regardless of gender or sexual identity.

April 19

SAAM: SIV Forum — Armstrong Student Center, Pavilion A/B, 7-8:30 p.m.

To learn how Miami has been combating sexual assault on campus and to hear about the plans for continuing this work, join the Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Council on April 19. This event will also honor survivors’ stories and allow them to be heard. During the forum, there will be time to share digital art and music with the audience. This event is hosted by the Office of Student Wellness.

You can submit artwork or music via this link.

April 25

SAAM: Self-Defense for Survivors and Allies — Rec Center, Basketball Court 4, 7-8 p.m.

Join Kentucky non-profit THRIVE Empowerment for Self-Defense for Survivors and Allies for a self-defense class geared toward survivors of sexual and interpersonal violence. The Miami University Police Department is co-hosting this event with the Office of Student Wellness. The sign-up for the event can be accessed here.

April 26

SAAM: Denim Day — Armstrong Student Center, Pavilion A/B, 6-8 p.m.

Make sure to wear jeans April 26 to show support and educate yourself and others about sexual assault. During this event, students can decorate denim fanny packs to show their support for survivors. Denim Day is hosted by the Panhellenic Association and the Office of Student Wellness.

To learn more about Denim Day visit the organization’s website.

Do you have an event not listed here? Let us know! Email eic.miamistudent@gmail.com to have it included on this list.

Miami’s sexual assault resource guide can be accessed here. Along with information on the reporting process, the site offers advice on what to do if you or someone you know is sexually assaulted.

Sexual assault survivors who wish to report an incident can contact campus security enforcement, including the Miami University Police Department at 513-519-2222, the Oxford Police Department at 513-523-4321, the Coordinator of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program at 513-529-1870 and any athletic coaches, academic or student organization advisor.

If students wish to speak to a non-mandatory reporter for confidential support, they can call or text Miami’s campus-based support specialists from WomenHelpingWomen at 513-431-1111.

stumbata@miamioh.edu