With April being the month dedicated to sexual assault awareness, SUNY Cortland plans to spend the next couple of weeks committed to bringing its awareness and prevention to campus.
By hosting multiple different events, the It’s On Us Committee and our campus partners are ready to shed light on such an important month.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), is observed every April to raise awareness about sexual assault violence and to educate the public on ways to prevent it.
This year, SUNY Cortland has five different days set aside throughout April which are solely focused on sexual assault awareness. Each day is a different theme, meant to bring happiness to such a heavy-hearted subject.
This past Wednesday, April 2, the Committee kicked off the month with their first program called S’more Consent. This day was made with the intent of making both s’mores while also learning more about the importance of sexual consent.
The week of April 14th, the It’s On Us Committee will hold a presentation about healthy and unhealthy relationships. Recognizing the signs of dating violence and promoting healthy relationships will be a focus during the One Love Workshop. (Time and Day TBD).
Denim Day will be held on April 23rd. The campus is encouraged to wear any type of denim on this Wednesday. From 1:30-3pm, SUNY Cortland members can stop by Corey Union to learn more about the importance and history behind Denim Day.
On the same day, April 23rd, the program Take Back the Night will be held at 7 on the Corey Union Steps. A march will take place around campus to honor all survivors of sexual violence. Guest speakers will also be in attendance.
To end the month, the Committee will hold their final program called Bystander Reaction. On April 28th from 4:30-5:30 in the Fireplace Lounge, attendees can expect to learn why it’s so crucial to be an active bystander and how you can intervene in any situation.
While all of the programs throughout the month have a fun twist to them, it’s important to remember the seriousness of SAAM.
SUNY Cortland has actively been participating in Sexual Assault Awareness Month for many years. Our campus is committed to continuing to raise awareness as well as prevent violent sexual acts, especially on campus.
The SUNY Sexual Violence Prevalence (SVP) Campus Climate Survey launched on March 31st to gain a better understanding of the experiences of the SUNY Cortland community.
It included questions about sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, and relationship violence which was aimed to provide the Title IX Office with feedback for ways they can improve areas around campus to make Cortland a safer place for everyone.
The survey is open until April 21st. Participation is voluntary and all answers are confidential.
Cortland also has many resources, both on campus and in the community, meant to help and support any victim of sexual assault.
If you or anyone you know is ever in need for help, don’t think twice about reaching out.
On Campus:
Title IX Office
Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Miller Building, Suite 309
Phone: 607-753-2263
Email: titleix@cortland.edu
Campus Police
For all emergencies (Police/Fire/Medical) Dial 911
For non-emergencies, please dial 607-753-2111
Community Resources:
Cortland City Police
25 Court Street, Cortland, NY 13045
Emergency Phone: 911
Non-Emergency Phone: 607-756-2811
YWCA Aid to Victims of Violence (AVV) (24 hour and Confidential Resource)
14 Clayton Ave, Cortland, NY, 13045
607-753-3639
National Sexual Assault Hotline (24 hour and Confidential Resource)
RAINN – Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
NYS Police Hotline to report sexual assault on a NY college campus (24 hour)
844-845-7269