{"id":213465,"date":"2025-04-08T10:07:06","date_gmt":"2025-04-08T20:07:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=213465"},"modified":"2025-04-08T10:07:06","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T20:07:06","slug":"uh-offers-support-promotes-healthy-relationships-saam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2025\/04\/08\/uh-offers-support-promotes-healthy-relationships-saam\/","title":{"rendered":"UH<\/abbr> offers support, promotes healthy relationships for Sex Assault Awareness Month"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 3<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

\"Hand<\/p>\n

April 2025 is the 25th annual Sex Assault Awareness Month (SAAM<\/abbr>), and the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> is marking it with a series of events exploring healthy relationships and the effects of sexual violence with resources and support for survivors. The events will take place—in person and online—throughout April.<\/p>\n

“This is an important time for our UH<\/abbr> ʻohana to come together to stand with survivors and demand respect and safety for all,” said UH<\/abbr> President Wendy Hensel. “These events also offer an opportunity for each of us to do our part by learning to recognize and prevent sexual abuse and how to build a community where everyone can thrive.”<\/p>\n

Jessica Shaffer, a Co-Chair for the UH<\/abbr> Commission on the Status of Women and a SAAM<\/abbr> event organizer agrees, saying preventing sexual violence requires collective and individual action.<\/p>\n

“Sadly, sexual violence impacts everyone: men, women, and folks beyond the binary, from keiki to k\u016bpuna,” said Shaffer. ”The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network reports that over 400,000 Americans experience sexual assault every year.”<\/p>\n

Upcoming SAAM<\/abbr> programs<\/h2>\n

Sexual Assault Awareness Month Resource Fair<\/strong>
\nUH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa Campus Center, April 14, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.<\/p>\n

The fair is open to the UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa community. Learn more about our wonderful on- and off-campus resources and take a stand against sexual violence. Swag, games, activities and valuable information will be available.<\/p>\n

Sponsors: Confidential Ma\u0304noa Advocate, PAU Violence, Office of Title IX<\/abbr><\/p>\n

Revenge Porn: Understanding Non-Consensual Pornography webinar<\/strong>
\nOnline via zoom, April 24, 12–12:30 p.m. Register online<\/a><\/p>\n

During this information packed webinar, the Sex Abuse Treatment Center will discuss revenge porn, a form of digital abuse where sexually explicit photos are videos are shared without consent. Attendees will learn about the revenge porn dynamics and how it intersects with stalking. This session will also explore enhancing protective factors to increase personal safety and support resources.<\/p>\n

Sponsor: Office of Compliance, EEO<\/abbr>, and Title IX<\/abbr>, Office of the Vice President for Community Colleges<\/p>\n

Sextortion: The Intersection between Sexual Violence & Technology webinar<\/strong>
\nOnline via zoom, April 29, 12–12:30 p.m. Register online<\/a><\/p>\n

In this lunch-and-learn webinar, speakers from the Sex Abuse Treatment Center will break down sextortion, a serious crime that involves threats to distribute your private or sensitive material if you do not provide money, images of a sexual nature, sexual favors, etc. Attendees will learn about the tactics and websites used in sextortion and what options and support are available to those experiencing misconduct.<\/p>\n

Sponsor: Office of Compliance, EEO<\/abbr>, and Title IX<\/abbr>, Office of the Vice President for Community Colleges<\/p>\n

Denim Day<\/strong>
\nAll campuses, April 30<\/p>\n

Wear denim in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.<\/p>\n

Live.Pono.Love.Pono Podcast<\/strong>
\nStreaming online<\/a>, April 2025<\/p>\n

Join Love Pono for several podcasts on “Silent No More: Art, Media, and Poetry in the Fight Against Sexual Assault.”<\/p>\n

Sponsor: Love Pono, Leeward Community College<\/p>\n

Pinwheel Garden Planting<\/strong>
\nKauaʻi<\/span> Community College Lawn between One Stop Center & Learning Resource Center, Date TBD<\/abbr><\/p>\n

April is also Child Abuse Awareness Month. Join us as we will be “planting” a pinwheel garden on the lawn to raise awareness and prevent child abuse.<\/p>\n

Sponsor: Kauaʻi<\/span> Community College Title IX<\/abbr> Office<\/p>\n

Reach out<\/h2>\n

Given the subject matter, some SAAM<\/abbr> events may be upsetting. Help is available, including support from Title IX<\/abbr> Offices (not confidential) and Confidential Advocates.<\/p>\n