University of North Texas 
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to highlight not only the prevalence of the issue but also the strength of survivors. UNT’s Survivor Advocate program has planned initiatives and events throughout the month to build awareness and support.
“By dedicating an entire month to raising awareness, we are making our community safer by educating individuals on how to prevent and report sexual violence,” said Angelina Johnson, coordinator for Survivor Advocate Intervention. “We are also ensuring that survivors within our community know they are not alone.”
Addressing the impact of assault
According to the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN), sexual violence is alarmingly common in college settings. About 13% of all students experience assault, and among undergraduate students, the numbers are even higher. More than a quarter of females and nearly 7% of males report experiencing sexual violence.
When alcohol is involved, the situation worsens significantly. Almost half of all sexual assaults on college campuses involve alcohol in some way, whether the perpetrator, victim, or both are under its influence. It's important to note that while alcohol doesn't directly cause sexual assault, it can contribute to the likelihood of it happening. Additionally, the low rate of reporting among college students exacerbates the challenge of addressing sexual assault, with only 20% of female survivors reporting incidents to law enforcement.
The statistics highlight the importance of prioritizing survivors' multifaceted needs. UNT's Survivor Advocacy office provides a range of resources, including counseling, academic accommodations, legal assistance, and social support. Recognizing that survivors may not always be aware of available resources, the office takes a proactive approach in connecting survivors with the support they need.
“Experiencing sexual violence impacts a person in every realm of their life,” Johnson said. “The Survivor Advocacy office works to address survivors’ needs by creating a safe, survivor-centered environment. We invite student survivors to share as much or as little with us as they’d like, while also using our expertise to assess their needs in several areas.”
Fighting misconceptions
Another reason behind awareness is that misconceptions continue persist, hindering efforts to combat sexual violence. One such misconception is the belief that survivors are not truthful about their experiences. However, research from the National Sexual Violence Research Center debunks this myth, revealing that only between 2% to 10% of sexual violence allegations are false.
Additionally, the misconception that sexual assault is typically perpetrated by strangers is challenged by the reality that 80% of rapes are committed by individuals known to the victim.
Community engagement plays a pivotal role in raising awareness and fostering a culture of support. By destigmatizing conversations around sexual assault and providing education on trauma-informed practices, individuals can contribute to a safer and more supportive environment for survivors.
“To properly support survivors and prevent future violence, we cannot shy away from these conversations. It is important that we each do fulfill our individual duty to be educated and trauma-informed, and then pass this information on to our peers,” Johnson said.
Educating others about consent
During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it's crucial to prioritize education on consent and healthy relationships. How can you educate others?
- Lead by example. Always ask consent for any type of physical touch or change in boundaries.
- Share information on consent with family members, friends, colleagues, and students.
- Make it clear that consent is not just the absence of a “no,” it is the presence of an enthusiastic “yes!”
- Lastly, if you have friends or loved ones who are in unhealthy relationships, support them and remind them they deserve better, even if they are not yet ready to leave.
UNT’s Survivor Advocate program, which opened in 2015, is part of the intervention services found within Dean of Students office in University Union, Suite 409.
Also part of the Dean of Students is the RISE Center (Recovery and Intervention Support and Education). The RISE Center offers stigma free, nonjudgmental support services for students seeking information on alcohol and other drugs, along with peer recovery support. Located in Chestnut Hall, Suite 301, RISE houses two primary supportive services, the Substance Use Resource Education (SURE) program and the Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP).
Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Initiatives and Events
All month: Donation Drive benefiting Denton County Friends of the Family (DCFOF)
DCFOF provides compassionate, comprehensive services to those impacted by rape, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. The Student Health & Wellness Center, Recovery & Intervention Support & Education (RISE) Center, and Survivor Advocacy are collecting hygiene products that will benefit DCFOF clients. Hygiene products may be donated in Chestnut Hall 301 or University Union 409.
April 17, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., South Law: Dating Red Flag or Beige Flag?
Join the Survivor Advocate, Office of Health Promotion, and Title IX to learn more about how to stay safe when using dating apps! You will also get the chance to identify some red flags vs. beige flags on dating app profiles.
April 22 – 26: Write ‘n’ Unite
Stop by the Union art gallery to write how you can help build connected communities to reduce the likelihood of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment in our communities.
April 22, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., UNT at Frisco Lobby, Survivor Advocate & The Turning Point Table
Stop by to meet the Survivor Advocate and representatives from The Turning Point, as well as learn about on and off campus resources for survivors, and win prizes!
April 24: Denim Day
Denim day is an annual day where survivors and advocates worldwide come together to stand against victim blaming practices by wearing denim. Denim day began when a survivor’s rape was dismissed because she was wearing tight jeans, and the court determined that she must have helped her attacker remove them. Learn more about the history of denim day here. On April 24, students, faculty, and staff will come together wear denim on campus and sign pledges in support of survivors. You can sign the denim day pledge here: https://forms.gle/Afd2haSoMqCqXibk9
- Survivor Advocate will be tabling in Union Circle from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Survivor Advocate & Title IX will be tabling at TAMS from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- The main event is There is No Excuse: a Sexual Assault Awareness Month Panel, which is happening at 5pm in Chestnut 324 and will feature speakers from Survivor Advocacy, Counseling & Testing, UNT PD, Denton County Friends of the Family, & Texas Health’s Sexual Assault Nure Examiner program.