Letting survivors know we support them and stand with them is important -- now more than ever. Sexual violence continues to be a problem on college campuses, and it’s important we continue to speak up and show up, says Christine Kung’u, assistant director of interpersonal violence prevention and response at IUPUI.
“Survivors aren’t alone, and in a time when we can’t be together in person, it’s important we continue to show our support,” she said. “We have to commit to ending rape culture, which perpetuates sexual violence. We all have a role to play in prevention.”
This year, awareness events and discussions will be hosted virtually through Zoom and social media platforms. The theme is #iask, reminding us to put consent into practice.
Here are six ways you can get involved and show your support.
1. Day of Action -- Tuesday, April 7
Wear teal to show your commitment to preventing and ending sexual violence within our communities. Whether it’s wearing a teal ribbon, shirt, or socks, it shows you support and believe survivors. And you can keep the support going all month long.
2. The Clothesline Project -- Thursday, April 9
Learn more about this project and create your own virtual t-shirt on social media. You can learn more and find a blank t-shirt to design at @iupuistudentaffairs, @iupuistuaffairs, and @IUPUISAPIR on Twitter and Instagram.
3. Support Survivor Cards -- Tuesday, April 14
Take time to decorate a card for a survivor with messages of love, hope, and healing. You can decorate a card on your own and share online with us or you can color these digital cards and share them on social media.
4. “Audrie and Daisy” Netflix film screening and discussion -- Wednesday, April 22, 4 p.m.
Grab your friends and join the Netflix watch party. RSVP here to get the Netflix Party link closer to the event. You’ll need to log into a Netflix account and download the Netflix Party extension on Google Chrome to participate.
5. Supporting Survivors Safety Planning Discussion -- Tuesday, April 28, 2 p.m.
Let’s talk about how we can be supportive when a survivor shares their story and how we can provide ongoing support. Connect to the conversation via Zoom.
6. Denim Day -- Wednesday, April 29
In 1999, the Italian High Court overturned a rape conviction on the basis that the victim was wearing tight jeans. The next day, women in the Italian parliament protested by wearing jeans to work. As decisions of the news spread, so did the protests. Wearing jeans on Denim Day has become a symbol of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual assault. Show off your favorite denim by tagging the Division of Student Affairs and IUPUI SAPIR on social media, and stand in solidarity with survivors and allies.
Remember -- It’s On Us. You can engage in all of these events by connecting on social media: @iupuistudentaffairs, @iupuistuaffairs, and @IUPUISAPIR on Twitter and Instagram. Customized Zoom backgrounds have also been created for you to show your support.
Counseling and Psychological Services is providing confidential advocacy virtually throughout the rest of the semester. Contact saadv@iupui.edu, ckungu@iupui.edu, or call 317-274-5715 for support.