GU Events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month Combat Misinformation
April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a crucial time to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent it. Gonzaga University (GU) is actively participating in SAAM with a variety of events designed to address critical misconceptions surrounding sexual violence, empower survivors, and foster a culture of consent and respect on campus. These events tackle the pervasive issue of misinformation, which often hinders reporting, perpetuates harmful stereotypes, and obstructs the path toward justice and healing for survivors.
One of the most insidious forms of misinformation surrounding sexual assault is the questioning of survivors’ accounts. Victim-blaming narratives often surface, focusing on the survivor’s clothing, behavior, or even their past relationships. These harmful narratives shift responsibility from the perpetrator to the survivor, creating an environment of fear and silence that discourages reporting and isolates those affected. GU’s SAAM events address this misinformation head-on, emphasizing the importance of believing survivors and providing resources and support without judgment. Workshops and discussions will debunk myths about sexual assault, highlighting the reality that perpetrators, not survivors, bear the sole responsibility for these acts of violence.
Another critical area of focus during SAAM is consent. Misinformation about consent contributes to a culture where boundaries are blurred, and coercion is normalized. Many misconceptions center around nonverbal cues, assuming that silence or a lack of resistance implies consent. GU’s SAAM programming aims to clarify the concept of consent, emphasizing that it must be freely given, enthusiastic, and revocable at any time. Events will explore healthy communication skills and provide concrete examples of how to obtain and respect consent in various situations. By dispelling these misconceptions, GU hopes to cultivate a campus culture where consent is understood as an essential component of healthy relationships.
The events planned for SAAM also address the specific challenges faced by marginalized communities. Misinformation about sexual assault within the LGBTQ+ community, for example, can further marginalize individuals who already experience heightened vulnerability. GU’s programming this month includes events that specifically address the unique needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ survivors, ensuring that all members of the campus community feel safe and supported in seeking help and reporting incidents. Discussions will also highlight the intersectionality of sexual violence with other forms of discrimination, providing a platform for conversations about how these intersecting identities can impact experiences of assault and access to resources.
Beyond debunking misinformation, GU’s SAAM events strive to empower survivors and connect them with vital support services. Workshops will provide information about reporting options, on-campus and community resources, and strategies for healing and recovery. Creating a supportive environment where survivors feel empowered to come forward is essential for breaking the cycle of silence and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. These events also aim to educate bystanders, encouraging them to become active participants in preventing sexual assault. Bystander intervention training empowers individuals to recognize potentially harmful situations and intervene safely and effectively, creating a safer campus for everyone.
Ultimately, Gonzaga University’s comprehensive approach to Sexual Assault Awareness Month underscores the institution’s commitment to combating misinformation, supporting survivors, and fostering a culture of respect. By providing accurate information, debunking harmful myths, and empowering bystanders, GU is actively working to create a campus community where sexual violence is not tolerated. These efforts extend beyond SAAM, demonstrating a long-term dedication to promoting a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the Gonzaga community. The university recognizes that addressing sexual assault requires a sustained, multi-faceted approach, and its SAAM programming serves as a vital component of this ongoing commitment.