As an organization founded by women for women, we have a responsibility to stand with and support our members, especially those who may be victims of sexual harassment and sexual assault.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a national campaign focused on both the awareness and prevention of sexual violence. The theme for the 2021 SAAM campaign is “We Can Build Safe Online Spaces” and Tri Delta is committed to partnering with the National Sexual Violence Resource Center to educate our members and offer them the confidence, resources and tools—all toward a world free of sexual assault and abuse.
We invite you to join us as we boldly stand up to the systems that allow this kind of behavior to persist and work together to make campuses and communities safe for all. Here are six ways you can demonstrate your commitment to supporting survivors, raising awareness and working to end sexual violence in our communities:
1. Complete the Not Anymore and Clarifying Consent programs.
Tri Delta offers these two powerful online programs, customized for sorority women and featuring modules on consent, sexual assault, dating violence, bystander behavior and healthy relationships. Visit LEADDDer.org to start these programs today or share with the young women in your life who might benefit from them.
2. Wear a statement.
Tuesday, April 6, is the SAAM Day of Action. We encourage members to wear teal, the color of sexual assault prevention, to support survivors and show that you’re a safe person for a survivor to reach out to.
Sport your jeans or a denim jacket on Denim Day, April 28, as a visible means of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual violence.
3. Host or attend an online event.
If you’re interested in hosting an event, check out the various templates, details and resources created by the NSVRC to help you host a successful event. The national SAAM list is growing each day and because most of the events are virtual, you can join from just about anywhere!
4. Participate in the #30DaysofSaam Instagram Challenge.
Each day, you’ll find engaging ways to raise awareness, educate and connect with others. This challenge will also allow you to join advocates, activities, survivors and supporters who are also getting involved with SAAM.
5. Support survivors.
Many of us know someone who identifies as a survivor. It can be difficult to know what to say and how to respond when someone confides in you. Support comes in many forms, including listening. Use this resource to be supportive through a survivor’s healing process. Want to learn more about how to support a friend or sister online? Read this article to consider how you can stand with and support others.
6. Take care of you.
If you find yourself needing additional resources, or need assistance supporting a friend, daughter or sister, there are resources available to you.
- Connect with a professional from your campus.
- Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (800) 656-HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
- Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or (800) 787-3224 (TYY).
- Find your local sexual assault resource center.
Don’t forget to follow Tri Delta on social media. Throughout the month of April, we’ll be sharing resources on important topics including consent, healthy relationships, safe online spaces, supporting survivors and more.