April is nationally recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) which is symbolized by a teal ribbon, representing our commitment to supporting survivors. During SAAM, the Sexual Violence Prevention and Education team collaborates with campus and community partners to create a month full of educational and interactive ways to address the spectrum of violence; this includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, gender-based harassment, and stalking.
We believe that SAAM is a critical opportunity to not only demonstrate our unwavering solidarity with survivors, but to be agents of change, working to create a campus culture that fosters healthy relationships, demonstrates care and support, puts consent into practice, and takes action to prevent instances of sexual violence. We are committed to providing programming and outreach that is survivor centered, trauma informed, culturally salient, community specific, and student driven.
Our calendar will be updated as more events take shape, so please keep checking back throughout April. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @uosvpe to stay connected with all our initiatives throughout the year.
We recognize that support is an important part of healing and navigating this work together as a community. Please consider connecting with the Care and Advocacy Program, Counseling Services, the SAFE website, or call the SAFE Hotline at 541-346-SAFE (7233).
SAAM Events 2025
A complete list of events can be found on the SVPE Instagram: @uosvpe
5:00–7:00 p.m.
Students will be incentivized to partake in a resource fair to learn about resources that are supporting survivors and working to prevent violence in their community. Attendees will receive a free sweet treat and other goodies. Afterwards, they will have the opportunity to join a silent disco! Silent discos use wireless headphones to play music instead of traditional speakers, making the partying experience more accessible. There will be three different playlists to choose from, pop princess, EDM, and throwbacks. This event allows students to meet new peers and build community during a month that demands we come together in solidarity with each other and survivors!
This event is a part of a series of events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month hosted by Sexual Violence Prevention and Education (SVPE).
5:00–7:00 p.m.
At this event, we encourage LGBTQIA+ students and their allies to exercise their voice through poetry! Students will have the opportunity to create and share poetry centered around a number of themes, including sexual violence and bodily autonomy. We will supply prompts for a free-writing activity, along with supplies. Afterward, folks can share what they’ve created. Bartolotti’s pizza will be provided!
This event is a part of a series of events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month hosted by Sexual Violence Prevention and Education (SVPE).
6:00–7:30 p.m.
Sexual Violence Prevention and Education and Students for Choice will be hosting a yoga class at the REC center in partnership with PE & REC. Students will learn about the importance of mind-body connection and experience it through the healing powers of yoga and meditation. Participating students will have access to a tea station!
To sign up go to recweb.uoregon.edu, registration opens April 2. Spots are limited! This event is a part of a series of events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month hosted by SVPE.
5:00–7:00 p.m.
At this event, students will decorate reusable cups with stickers and other provided materials while engaging in a discussion about safe substance use, drink tampering, and consent under the influence. After the discussion, students can participate in a jeopardy to test their knowledge about these topics for prizes! Bartolotti’s pizza and mocktails will be provided!
This event is a part of a series of events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month hosted by Sexual Violence Prevention and Education (SVPE).
6:00–10:00 p.m.
The Women’s Center is beyond excited to invite you to join *in-person* at our annual Take Back the Night Rally, March and Speak-Out Against Sexual and Domestic Violence.
When: Take Back the Night is on Thursday, April 25th, 2024 starting with the Rally at 6:00pm followed by the March at 7:00pm and Student-Led Speak-Out at 8pm.
Where: Rally begins in the EMU Amphitheater at 13th and University St. followed by an approximately 2.5 mile March from the UO Campus through the streets of Eugene and back to UO Campus in the EMU Diamond Lake Room where the Student-Led Speak Out is held.
Who: The UO Women’s Center in collaboration with the UO Campus Community (UO Muxeres, UO Duck Rides, UO Green and Yellow Garter Band and more).
Thursday, April 25th, 2024 marks the 46th annual Take Back the Night Rally, March and Speak-Out Against Sexual and Domestic Violence event for the University of Oregon Campus Community. Take Back the Night is a yearly international protest founded in 1976 which seeks to raise awareness about the realities of Sexual and Domestic Violence on campus and in the community, both for Survivors of Sexual and Domestic Violence and those who want to support and bear witness in solidarity. Take Back the Night is a Survivor-Centered event that begins with a Rally in the EMU Amphitheater, continues as a March through the streets of Eugene to symbolize reclaiming people’s safety on public streets at night, and ends with a Student-Led Speak-Out on campus during which Survivors can share personal stories of how Sexual and Domestic Violence has impacted their lives.
The Rally will feature UO Student Speakers from diverse intersecting identities and lived experiences, including the Native American Community, Latine Community, LGBTQIA2S+ Community, International Community, Disabled Community, a Child Abuse Prevention Advocacy Organization and more.
Our theme for this year’s event is addressing the DUALITY that Survivors can hold on their path to healing - throughout both their radical joy & rightful rage - as they ultimately reclaim their power. As well, we will continue to center marginalized communities too often left out of essential dialogue about Sexual and Domestic Violence - despite being disproportionately impacted by these systems of oppression. As always, the Women’s Center is committed to providing this essential event to support Survivors, educate the community and prevent future harm.
ASL Interpretation will be provided at the Rally. This event is wheelchair accessible and will have transportation available during the March and back to Student-Led Speak-Out. We ask that no UO Professional Staff or Media be present during the Student Led Speak-Out portion of the event to provide a sacred space for students to have dialogue circles of peer-to-peer support. Event will take place **rain or shine** (rain is currently forecast) and is free and open to the public. We support and believe survivors in ALL WEATHER! Masks are not required but highly encouraged. Questions regarding Take Back the Night should be directed to Fatima Roohi Pervaiz or Maggie Bertrand at the UO Women’s Center. Contact:
UO Women’s Center Director, Fatima Roohi Pervaiz fpervaiz@uoregon.edu
AND
UO Women’s Center Sexual Violence Prevention & Education Coordinator, Maggie Bertrand, svpewc@gmail.com