Dickinson Presents Sexual Assault Awareness Month Events
A month of education, action and support
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Throughout the month, Dickinson will host a variety of events that support a strong, safe, respectful and inclusive campus community. All students, faculty and staff members are invited to learn how to prevent and address unwanted sexual contact and harassment, support survivors and actively promote a culture of safety and respect.
SAAM is a national event. This year’s theme, "Together We Act, United We Change," underscores the need to work together, take collective action and enhance public understanding of sexual harassment and sexual violence.
If you are in need of support services or additional resources during this time, please contact our confidential YWCA Advocates through Dickinson’s Sexual Violence Hotline at 717-609-4244 or find information and resources through our Wellness Center.
SAAM events at Dickinson
Ongoing: Wear Teal and share your support!
Show your support for survivors of sexual assault and abuse by wearing teal, the color of sexual violence prevention, and post a selfie using #SAAM2025 and #ItsOnUsDickinson. Sample post: Today is the Sexual Assault Awareness Day of Action, and I’m wearing teal to show my support for survivors! #SAAM2025 #ItsOnUsDickinson. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s #30DaysofSAAM Instagram Challenge raises awareness and also offers chances to win prizes. For more information, visit nsvrc.org/saam.
Ongoing: SAAM T-shirts will be available!
Custom SAAM T-shirts will be available in Dickinson's bookstore in early April.
SAAM Day of Action – Tuesday, April 1
- Decorate Ben! 8 a.m.: Come out and help It’s On Us and our TIX coordinator decorate our Benjamin Rush statue in teal on national Sexual Assault Awareness Day of Action!
- Sign the It’s On Us Pledge & Tabling 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Britton Plaza: Stop by our It’s On Us student-leader table to grab a teal ribbon and learn about the events and programs offered throughout the month. This month, show your support for changing the culture of sexual assault and violence in our community by signing the Its On Us pledge. Take action to promote the safety of others and show survivors they are believed and supported.
- Education Event, 6-7 p.m.; Kaufman Hall, 187: Come learn how to create a safer, stronger community, together with our It’s On Us student leaders.
Take Back the Night
April 9, 7-9 p.m., Allison Great Hall
Take Back the Night honors all who are impacted by sexual assault and relationship violence and is an opportunity for our entire campus community to recommit to creating a culture where sexual and interpersonal violence no longer exists. Student speakers, performances and a keynote by Rev. Miller Hoffman are followed by a march through campus to reclaim our community from the forces of sexual violence. The march ends at Old West with a candlelight vigil at approximately 8:30 p.m. Advocates from the YWCA of Carlisle and Cumberland Counties and Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties will be present to provide support.
It's on Us and Sodas with Alcohol Peer Educators
April 11, 9:00 - 11:00 p.m., Outside of Tome
Join the It's on Us students and peer educators for an engaging event promoting awareness and responsibility. Together, we'll foster conversations about consent and the impact of alcohol, empowering students to create a safer, more inclusive community.
Body and Boundaries Mindfulness Session
April 14, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m., Landis House Living Room
Instructor: Dr. Megan Nesbitt, Executive Director, Wellness Center
In this mindfulness session, we will focus on reflecting on boundaries, with yourself and between yourself and others, getting to know your body through your mind and your feelings, exploring what changes for you with different awareness and presence with yourself.
How Much Is My Cup? It’s On Us and Alcohol Peer Educators
April 15, 12:00 – 1:00 PM., Outside the Hub Underground
Discover the true cost of your cup with It's On Us and Alcohol Peer Educators. This eye-opening event invites participants to explore the connection between alcohol consumption, consent and community responsibility, fostering meaningful discussions for a safer campus.
It’s On Us Tie Dye
April 19, time and location TBA
Unleash your creativity in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Together, we’ll raise awareness, show support and stand in solidarity to create a safer, more inclusive community.
Denim Day: Wear Jeans with a Purpose!
April 30, campuswide, Denim Coffee
Join us for Denim Day (https://denimday.org), as millions of people around the world will wear jeans with a purpose—to support survivors and demand an end to sexual assault. This year, the WGRC is partnering with Denim Coffee to make our Denim Day have real impact—If you are wearing a teal ribbon, a portion of your purchases at Denim Coffee will be donated to a local nonprofit supporting sexual-assault survivors. Help us create change with Denim Coffee on Denim Day!
Resources and campus support
The Title IX website is home to all of the information you need regarding what to do in the event of an emergency, how to report an incident, and what resources and services are available to you.
Sponsorships
Take Back the Night and SAAM Programming is sponsored by the Women’s & Gender Resource Center; LGBTQ+ Center; Wellness Center; the Offices of Title IX & Sexual Respect, Student Life and Residence Life; and the Departments of Athletics, Human Resources and Public.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published March 28, 2025