April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Campus Resources & Support
April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a nationwide campaign dedicated to raising awareness, supporting survivors, and preventing sexual violence. Through coordinated efforts across communities and organizations, SAAM amplifies year-round work to promote healthy relationships, foster open conversations, and create safer spaces. It's rooted in the belief that education, action, and support can drive meaningful change—by helping people understand the impact of sexual violence, encouraging dialogue and safety on campus, and uplifting survivors with resources and care.
Survivor Advocate, Kim Soriano says, “Part of raising awareness is recognizing the scope of the issue.” According to a 2020 survey by the Association of American Universities, 26.4% of undergraduate women and 6.7% of undergraduate men report being sexually assaulted while in college. That means at least one third of students are directly impacted by sexual violence, likely more as survey data is only based on people who disclosed sexual violence, which not everyone shares. “Sexual violence impacts people of all races, backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, and socioeconomic statuses,” says Kim.
Campus Resources & Support
Campus Health’s Survivor Support Services blends education, action, and support through the free and confidential services they provide for any student impacted by interpersonal violence, regardless of when or where it occurred. They also offer consultations, workshops, and educational programming around sexual assault prevention.
Jess Walsh, lead Survivor Advocates shares, “All students that come into to Survivor Support Services can expect to be believed and trusted to lead their healing and moving forward. We offer spaces where survivors can share to the extent they feel comfortable and received care individualized to their needs.”
Survivor Advocates work with student survivors to navigate resources and choose their next steps in areas including academic support, reporting options, safety planning, and more. Survivor Support mental health counselors offer trauma-informed individual counseling as well as group therapy any student survivor who has experienced sexual assault, relationship violence, or stalking.
The Survivor Support Team’s prevention work is built on their advocacy philosophy. “We promote safer sex, healthy relationships, non-judgement, inclusivity, and believing and supporting survivors in ways that help them feel empowered,” says Jess. “This is replicated in our work with individuals where we emphasize autonomy, help challenge socialized stereotypes, identify healings options that are realistic and non-judgmental, and promote community and belonging.”
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Events
The Survivor Support Team collaborated in hosting the Wildcats Roar Against Sexual Violence 5K & Resource Fair on April 2, 2025. “We wanted to create a bold, community-centered event to raise awareness about sexual violence while honoring the strength and resilience of survivors,” says Kim. “The 5K provided a space where students, faculty, staff, and community members could come together in solidarity, show their support, and break the silence around sexual violence.”
The Wildcats Roar 5K & Resource Fair demonstrates the power of visibility. “Seeing a diverse group of Wildcats participating, wearing their shirts, and engaging with resource booths highlighted how united our campus can be in standing against sexual violence,” says Kim. During the event, many participants shared that they felt empowered, seen, and supported, and some even opened up about their own experiences or expressed interest in getting involved in advocacy work. The event not only raised awareness but also deepened community connections, reminding everyone that healing and change are possible when we move forward together.
To see more upcoming events from Survivor Support Services, visit the Campus Health events calendar. For more information, or to connect with Survivor Support Services, visit survivorsupport.arizona.edu.