President Robert S. and Jody Nelsen (back row, left and center) join in the 2016 Red Shoe event at The WELL. (Sacramento State/Jessica Vernone)Sacramento State has long been on the leading edge of sexual violence awareness and victim advocacy. In line with this commitment, the University offers a lineup of events and activities during Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in April, including Take Back the Night, Denim Day, and bystander training. This year’s theme is “Engaging New Voices.”
Another highlight is the return to The WELL’s lobby of the 9-foot-tall Red Shoe (equivalent to a size 114). It’s a symbol of “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,” a worldwide campaign that encourages men to demonstrate their stand against violence by tottering along a race course in high heels. WEAVE, which is home to Sacramento County’s only rape crisis center, expects 1,100 men to participate in the annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” fundraiser Saturday, May 6, on Capitol Mall. (Event and registration information: weaveinc.org.)
The University’s commitment to keeping our campus a safe place for all is spelled out in the “We Care. We Will Help” campaign (csus.edu/titleix). Students also can learn more about campus support options on the Student Health and Counseling Services website at shcssacstate.org.
Here is the lineup for Sac State’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
“Photovoice Project: ‘I use my voice to …’ ”: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 6, and Thursday, April 13, The WELL lobby. Have your photo taken and add a message of how you can use your voice to help end sexual violence. The photographs will be shared on social media to promote further dialogue.
HERstory Week Tabling: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, April 10, through Thursday, April 13, Library Quad. Stop by and meet members of Sac State’s chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to learn about women’s issues and how to get involved with women’s causes – regardless of your gender.
AAUW General Meeting: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13, Amador Hall 219. Learn about women’s issues and sexual assault prevention.
Denim Day at Sac State: Wednesday, April 26. The campus community wears denim as part of a national campaign to draw attention to the misconceptions surrounding sexual assault. Denim Day was created after the Italian Supreme Court in 1998 overturned a rape conviction and ruled that the victim implied consent when she helped her attacker remove her tight jeans. Women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans to work the following day to show solidarity with the victim. The court later overturned its “denim defense.” #DENIMDAY
Tag @shcssacstate or email your photo to merril.lavezzo@csus.edu.
16th annual Sac State Take Back the Night: Engaging New Voices: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, Library Quad. A march to the residence halls and back will raise awareness of sexual- and gender-based violence and encourage the campus community’s commitment to activism.
Hornets Help: Bystander Training: noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 27, The WELL's Cove. Interactive presentation will show Sac State students how active bystanders can prevent violence. Participants will sign a “Hornets Help” pledge at the end of training.
“Men Who Ask: A Workshop”: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 27, University Union, Forest Suite. Students learn about sexual violence prevention and bystander intervention through activities and exercises. Hosted by the Women’s Resource Center. – Dixie Reid