Sex Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is observed nationally every April to promote education and prevention of sexual violence. This year, the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa is inviting its community to take part in upcoming SAAM events in April.

To further promote prevention and healing through reconnecting individuals to their communities, the theme of this year’s SAAM campaign is “Roads to Reconnection.”

“SAAM is meant to build awareness and increase prevention efforts in ending sexual violence. Here at UH Mānoa, it is imperative that we build a sense of community and safety for our haumāna (students),” said Jamie Newalu, UH Mānoa advocate. “It is everyone’s kuleana to look after one another. Sexual assault is not a light matter, and we all probably know someone who has been impacted by sexual violence. I encourage everyone to come and join our efforts to stand against sexual violence, and to reconnect with the community as we come back to campus.”

Roads to Reconnection

• Wednesday, April 6, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Campus Center Courtyard

A resource fair featuring both on- and off-campus resources where participants can learn more about sexual violence prevention and healing. Alongside UH Mānoa resources, there will be featured community resources which include the Sex Abuse Treatment Center, Domestic Violence Action Center, Planned Parenthood, ���ʻ��̄���� Nā Pua, �鶹��ý State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Nā Leo Kāne. The event will include music, fun and games.

Roads to Reconnection: Standing Together

• Thursday, April 14, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Campus Center Courtyard

A resource fair featuring UH Mānoa student groups and resources that are standing together to prevent sexual violence. Participants can come and join your peers on spreading awareness to end sexual violence. The event will include music, prize giveaways and free food.

TEAL Thursday

• Thursday, April 14, 9 a.m–2 p.m. at Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services (QLCSS)

In honor of SAAM, an awareness display will be presented at QLCSS. Come and check out the display, take selfies and have a reflective moment as we all embrace the kuleana of ending sexual violence. Everyone is encouraged to wear teal for this “TEAL Thursday” event.

On- and off-campus resources

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers of SAAM events would like to emphasize the resources, both on- and off-campus, that are available to everyone. The SAAM events are co-sponsored by UH ��ā�ԴDz�’s Women’s Center, , UH System Confidential Advocate and the office.

“UH Mānoa is the largest university in the State of �鶹��ý, and we are cultivating many future leaders, advocates and brilliant minds that will make an impact in this world,” said Newalu. “It is important that as a university community, we stand together and advocate against sexual and gender-based violence to make this a safe environment for our growing leaders to develop. Sexual violence knows no bounds, and is a pervasive problem across the world. It will take a collective effort from everyone, especially our future leaders, to put an end to sexual violence.”

For more information on upcoming events, follow @PAUviolence, @uhmwomen, @uhadvocate and @manoaadvocate on Instagram. For questions, contact Newalu at (808) 956-9499.

To create educational and work environments at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� that are free from sexual harassment and discrimination, the campus has several valuable resources including the ����ԴDz� Advocate. The confidential provides assessment, support, resources and navigation for UH ����ԴDz� students, faculty or staff who may be experiencing sex- or gender-based discrimination, harassment, sexual assault, domestic/dating violence or stalking.

“I want people of the UH ����ԴDz� community to know that I’m here for them. If anyone thinks they may be experiencing sex- or gender-based harassment, discrimination, or violence they don’t have to feel alone,” said ����ԴDz� Advocate Jamie Newalu. “There are options and support for them, and I’m here to help them navigate their options. It can be particularly tricky for those in dating or domestic violence relationships, so I encourage them to reach out for support when they are ready.”

Students and staff who need assistance can reach out to the office to discuss their options (i.e. reporting, interventions, support) both within and outside of UH ����ԴDz�. Services that the ����ԴDz� Advocate can offer are referrals, counseling, advocacy, safety planning and support as appropriate to the personal circumstances.

The ����ԴDz� Advocate is a designated confidential resource for Title IX related matters. Limitations to confidentiality may apply if the responding party (alleged perpetrator, offender or abuser) is an employee of UH, as the university may have a duty to respond. In such circumstances, privacy will be upheld to the extent permitted by law.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the ����ԴDz� Advocate, the , UH ����ԴDz� Women’s Center and Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC) have partnered to hold events throughout the month.

#UHWeAllKnow1 social media campaign and give away by PAU Violence

• Throughout October 2021

Follow PAU Violence on and to help spread awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. There will be opportunities to participate and win prizes.

Domestic violence awareness table at Campus Center

• Thursday, October 14, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
• Monday, October 18, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Check out the resource table at Campus Center in conjunction with Domestic Violence Action Center.

Virtual presentation: Online dating safety and upstander support

• Wednesday, October 20, 12–1 p.m.

Pandemic limiting options for meeting someone in person? Talk story with DVAC’s TAP808 team about ways to be safe and smart when using dating apps and matching with potential partners or hook ups. Learn how to support a friend who may be experiencing an unhealthy or abusive relationship. Let’s be intentional about how we show up for each other. Sign-ups for this virtual presentation at:

Beautiful Pieces: A Glass Mosaic Experience hosted by Nā Wahine ʻo Lapaʻau

• Sunday, October 24, 6–7 p.m.

Join a small intimate glass mosaic workshop to acknowledge domestic violence survivors. Go to and Instagram accounts and sign-up, link in the bio. Or email nawahineolapaau@gmail.com. Space is limited.

The Bystander Moment film virtual screening and discussion

• Screening: October 15–25
• Discussion: Monday, October 25, 12–1 p.m.

Join a virtual screening and discussion with PAU Violence and Nā Leo Kāne on The Bystander Moment. For more information email UHMPAU@hawaii.edu.

To contact the ����ԴDz� Advocate, please email manoaadv@hawaii.edu or call (808) 956-9499.