Texas Tech University and organizations across campus are co-hosting events during the month of April to raise awareness about sexual assault.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is an annual worldwide campaign aimed at raising public awareness about sexual violence and educating communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence.

“Sexual Assault Awareness Month offers our campus a time to dialogue and learn about preventing sexual assault,” said Anneliese Bustillo, assistant director of Texas Tech Risk Intervention & Safety Education (RISE) Office.

RISE, the Women’s Studies Program, the Student Counseling Center, the Office of LGBTQIA, Student Government Association, Texas Tech Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance (FMLA), The Black Graduate Student Association and the Gay Straight Alliance have events planned throughout the month.

The events planned for the month are:

  • Hands of Hope Collection Drive: A month long collection drive for residents at Women’s Protective Services of Lubbock. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. in room 123 Doak Hall. For more information and to see a wish list of items, visit the event’s website.
  • “Anita: Speaking Truth to Power:” 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday (April 13) in the Texas Tech School of Law Lanier Auditorium. “Anita” celebrates the legacy of Anita Hill and offers a private look into her life and experiences with sex, politics and race. Hosted by Women’s Studies.
  • Cookie Consent: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. April 18 across from the CopyMail in the Student Union Building (SUB). Practice asking for consent in a no-stress way that ends with a cookie and learn more from the RISE table. Hosted by RISE.
  • National Day of Silence: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 21 in the Free Speech Area; Every year, students worldwide take a vow of silence to raise awareness about the silencing effect of anti-LGBTQIA bullying, harassment and discrimination. Members of the Texas Tech community are invited to take a similar vow, show support or learn about the damaging effects of bullying and harassment on LGBTQIA individuals. Hosted by the Office of LGBTQIA.
  • Denim Day; Wear Jeans with a Purpose: April 26. Members of the Texas Tech community are invited to wear jeans as part of an international protest against erroneous assumptions about rape. For more information, visit the event’s website.
  • The Clothesline Project: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. April 21 in the SUB and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 24 in the Free Speech Area. Those affected by violence are invited to express their emotions by decorating pieces of clothing and displaying them for public viewing. T-shirts will be provided. Hosted by the Office of LGBTQIA, Texas Tech GSA, the Women’s Studies Program and Texas Tech Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance.
  • Take Back the Night Rally and March: 7:30-9:30 p.m. April 26 Memorial Circle. An interactive event that creates awareness, empowers survivors and educates the community about sexual violence. For more information and a full schedule of the night, visit the event’s website. Hosted by Texas Tech FMLA.


“By offering a month of programs, we hope to reach as many students as possible in as many ways possible,” Bustillo said.

For a full schedule of events, visit the SAAM website.

(News release from Texas Tech)