It’s On Us creates awareness and prevention education for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

By: 

Sexual harassment, assault and abuse can happen anywhere. That’s why 275 campuses across the country have joined the national It’s On Us campaign to combat sexual assault and engage students in awareness and prevention education programs.

With trial and error to bring this campaign to IUPUI over the last few years, the Undergraduate Student Government recently initiated the campus’s own chapter in February 2022 – and it’s here to stay.

President Mayra Rodriguez, Vice President Michael Burke and the rest of the It’s On Us committee are determined to bring the number of sexual assault cases on college campuses down to zero.

"The group was never stable enough before, and I just want to make sure that we stay throughout the years," Rodriguez said. "I want to make sure the resources are here for the students, for the faculty and whoever needs it."

Through bystander intervention, It’s On Us wants the IUPUI community to be aware of how to seek out help, but also how to help others.

"The statistics for sexual assault on all college campuses are quite alarming," Burke said. "With our interest in reducing or eliminating gender-based violence and sexual assault on campus, we want to make people aware of (those numbers) and do our part."

As Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) falls in the month of April, It’s On Us is organizing events to practice consent and promote a community that values respect, inclusion and safety.

"The name It’s On Us plays a big role and everything that we educate on. From consent to bystander intervention and policies, we know that we can make an impact on somebody," Rodriguez said. "Having these events specifically this month will help people."

While the It’s On Us committee hits the ground running with events like Denim Day and Take Back the Night, they have plans for the upcoming semesters to continue to bring awareness to sexual assault. The committee has already made impacts and are hopeful that their presence on campus will continue to help students.

"During tabling, I had people approach me and allude to something occurring, then take a pamphlet and walk away," Rodriguez said. "That right there – although it is a really small interaction to some – can mean life or death for someone else."

To participate in SAAM activities this month, check out the events listed on the Division of Student Affairs calendar. Interested in joining It’s On Us? Message the committee on their Instagram account.

If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual violence, the Sexual Assault Prevention, Intervention and Response take force is here to help. For more information, check out their online resources.