Vanderbilt will mark Sexual Assault Awareness Month beginning Monday, April 6, with a week of skill-building events and opportunities to make a personal commitment to ending sexual violence in our community. All staff, students and faculty are invited to participate.
“Spectrum: Light, Truth and Courage” will address the spectrum of prevention efforts required to create cultural change and confront norms that lead to sexual violence. Each event in the series will allow participants to personalize a paper lantern, culminating with a lantern procession on Thursday, April 9, from the Wyatt Center Lawn to Library Lawn.
The series is sponsored by Project Safe, Take Back the Night and The Kefi Project, working in coordination with Vanderbilt Student Government, the Psychological and Counseling Center and the Vanderbilt Panhellenic Council.
Learn more on the event’s Facebook page.
April 6, 4 p.m., Kissam 210C
Supporting Survivors of Sexual Assault
A skill-building workshop for people supporting victims of sexual violence in their personal and professional lives. Participants will have an opportunity to personalize a lantern for the procession on April 9.
April 7, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., The Commons Center
“It’s On Us” Pledge Signing
Join the national “It’s On Us” movement and sign the pledge stating sexual assault prevention is a shared responsibility among everyone.
No registration required.
April 7, 7:30 p.m., Black Cultural Center Auditorium
Survivors’ Workshop
An opportunity for survivors of sexual violence to share their experiences and build community through those shared experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to personalize a lantern for the April 9 procession.
No registration required.
April 8, 7 p.m., Kissam 210C
Party With Consent with Jonathan Kalin
Party With Consent founder Jonathan Kalin visits Vanderbilt to discuss the value of building healthy sexual relationships by being honest and authentic and avoiding coercion or deceit.
April 9, 7 p.m., Wyatt Center Lawn
Spectrum: Light, Truth and Courage Lantern Procession
The Spectrum lantern procession will culminate a week of activities marking Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Starting on Wyatt Lawn, this silent procession will wind through the Vanderbilt campus before ending on Library Lawn.
Participants will carry lanterns they have personalized to reflect the theme “Light, Truth and Courage” and their own commitment to ending sexual violence.
At Library Lawn, Project Safe and Take Back the Night will host speak-outs to allow participants to share personal stories and offer communal support.
Lanterns will be available on site. Donuts and hot chocolate will be provided.
Contact: Sirajah Raheem
sirajah.raheem@vanderbilt.edu