Sexual Violence Awareness Month (SVAM)

May is Sexual Violence Awareness Month, a time to bring visibility to an issue that often remains hidden in plain sight. On university campuses, where learning and community intersect, it’s especially important to foster environments grounded in respect, accountability, and care.

Throughout the month, our office will be hosting pop-up information booths and sharing a series of social media posts designed to spark conversation, challenge harmful myths, and highlight pathways to support. These small moments of engagement can ripple outward, shaping how we understand consent, respond to harm, and support one another.

Sexual violence is not just an individual issue, it’s a community one. Prevention and response require all of us: students, staff, and faculty. We encourage you to take part in the trainings offered throughout the year, which explore topics like consent, bystander intervention, and building healthy relationships. These sessions are practical, thoughtful, and grounded in real-world scenarios.

Equally important is knowing where to turn. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or looking to help someone else, our office is here as a confidential and compassionate resource. We can also connect you with trusted services both on campus and within the broader community.

Awareness is a starting point, not a finish line. This month is an invitation to learn, reflect, and take meaningful steps toward a safer campus for everyone.

Let's spark important conversations, raise awareness, and foster a community of support. Together, we can create a campus culture of respect, safety, empowerment, and consent - mark your calendars this May!

SVAM Spotlight - Save the Dates & Engage

SVAM 2026: SAVE THE DATES
Please see below for a list of SVPRO (co)-initiatives taking place this month for SVAM – we've also attached programming graphics to this email, and encourage you to share and circulate widely.

May 5th, please join the Office of Indigenous Relations and the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office for Red Dress Day, a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People.

Details
May 5 
10:30AM - 1:30PM

BMH Green | HLTH LHS-1621, Applied Health Sciences Expansion Building
Register here

We all have a role to play in raising awareness and preventing sexual and gender-based violence - in our everyday lives and beyond. Together, let’s build a campus culture characterized by respect, care, support, empowerment, and consent. Mark your calendars this May - we look forward to engaging with you!

For all SVAM-related inquiries, please contact Chris Martin.