During April, the color teal represents more than just a color; it’s symbolic of a mission. For a quarter-century, the month of April has served as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. As Kansas State enters April, leaders across campus are moving into action with a packed calendar to bring awareness.
According to the National Sexual Assault Violence Resource Center, “Nearly one in five women in the United States have experienced rape or attempted rape in their lives, and one in 71 men have experienced rape or attempted rape.”
A statistic like this means education is imperative in lessening the likelihood of sexual assault. To bridge the gap between awareness and action, K-State is hosting a series of educational sessions throughout the month to allow students to understand the importance of prevention and support.
The month of supportive events will kick off on Tuesday, April 14, when campus partners from the Center for Advocacy, Response and Education (CARE), Lafene Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the Morrison Family Center for Student Wellbeing will openly talk about the factors that contribute to safe and healthy relationships. The event will take place at 5 p.m. in one of Derby Dining Hall’s classrooms and is open to all students.
This event offers face-to-face connections with professionals, which can help de-stigmatize the process of seeking help and make these resources feel more approachable.
The rest of the month features events like Petals and Positivity, allowing students to craft flowers made of pipe cleaners and write notes of encouragement for CARE clients.
Yoga led by First Lady Sally Linton is also offered to allow for a period to reset and rewind during not only the end of the school year, but also an important month.
To end the month strong, K-State will be participating in Denim Day on Wednesday, April 29. Interactive activities will be offered during the day at Bosco Plaza to raise awareness about the reality of sexual assault, as well as support survivors and K-Staters are encouraged to wear denim in solidarity. Full descriptions of these events are located on OrgCentral.
K-State works hard to help students find a place of love and belonging. CARE allows compassionate, survivor-centered care for those in need. According to their website, they seek to empower survivors by prioritizing their rights and ensuring access to all of their options and resources.
Tyleshia Brown is a senior survivor advocate at CARE with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Washburn University. She is passionate about being involved in community groups, which sparked her passion for working with CARE.
Brown believes that the events put on by the community are important to raise awareness about the realities of sexual violence, increase knowledge of resources and help create a safer, more supportive campus environment.
“While the events are focused on centering survivor wellbeing, any student can join,” Brown said. “These events can play a role in helping create visible support on campus and send a clear message that survivors are believed, not alone and supported. By opening space for dialogue and awareness, these events can reduce stigma and make it easier for survivors to help and connect with resources.”
Brown believes there is a huge importance to being educated about hard topics like sexual assault, as those educated can better understand the impact of sexual violence and how to prevent it.
“Education also helps break down harmful stereotypes and myths, encourages respectful and informed conversations about consent and equips individuals with the knowledge to support survivors,” Brown said. “Providing a moment of care, support and information on resources can be lifesaving. Overall, it helps build a campus culture that prioritizes safety, respect and accountability.”
While the packed calendars and teal ribbons may fade as the calendar turns, the goal of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month is to spark an ongoing change in the stigmas and environment surrounding sexual assault.
These sessions and events allow the K-State community to do more than just observe the importance of the month. Instead, we are actively building a foundation of safety and respect within our Wildcat community. K-State offers many different resources for students if impacted by sexual assault.
If you are currently or have previously experienced sexual abuse and are looking for a safe space, or have any questions, refer to the resources provided below.
Center for Advocacy, Response and Education*, 785-532-6444, ksucare@k-state.edu
Counseling and Psychological Services*, 785-532-6927, counsel@k-state.edu
Lafene Health Center*, 785-532-6544, lafene@k-state.edu
Student Support and Accountability, 785-532-6432, studentsupport@k-state.edu
Civil Rights and Title IX, 785-532-6220, civilrights@k-state.edu
K-State Police Department, 785-532-6412, police@k-state.edu
Employee Assistance Program*, 1-888-270-8897
