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Penn State To Host Sexual Assault Awareness Month Events Beginning April 4

Penn State organizations, offices, and clubs will host a variety of events throughout April to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Additionally, Penn State’s annual Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention Week (SVAP) will take place from April 4 to April 14.

Penn State’s events, compiled here, will span across campuses throughout Pennsylvania. Events are hosted in part thanks to the University Park Undergraduate Association and Penn State’s Gender Equity Center.

Here’s a closer look at some highlights form Penn States’s Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention Week:

Ongoing & Multi-Day Events

SVAP Week Awareness TablingApril 4, 5 & 6 — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Throughout this week, UPUA, the SVAP roundtable, and the Gender Equity Center will host tabling events in the HUB to share more information about events planned for the week. At these tabling events, students will also have the opportunity to take part in a community weaving art project to honor sexual violence victims.

Monday, April 4

“It’s On Us” Gender, Race, & Power Workshop

From 5 to 6 p.m. on Monday, April 4, in 173 Willard, a peer-led workshop will help teach others about how to prevent sexual violence and how to support survivors. A discussion will take place surrounding race, gender, and the five faces of oppression. To register for this event, click here.

Another “It’s On Us” workshop will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 8, in 106 Boucke. To register for Friday’s workshop, click here.

Tuesday, April 5

“Promising Young Woman” Film Screening and Discussion

From 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, in the HUB’s Flex Theatre, a screening of Academy Award-winning “Promising Young Woman” will take place. This movie tells the story of a young med student who dropped out of school after a friend was sexually assaulted and ultimately committed suicide. As such, she goes in a mission of revenge.

After the film, a discussion will take place regarding the film’s main themes. Advocates from Centre Safe and the Gender Equity Center will also be on hand if any attendees wish to speak after viewing the sensitive and emotional movie.

Wednesday, April 6

Poetry Workshop: 4-5 p.m. in HUB 129AB

Everyday Activism Keynote: Cheyenne Taylor Jacobs

On Wednesday, April 6, multiple events will take place. A poetry workshop will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. in HUB 129AB. Later in the evening, keynote speaker Cheyenne Taylor Jacobs will take the stage from 7 to 8 p.m. in the HUB’s Flex Theater.

Jacobs, who is a poet, activist, and community organizer, will talk about sexual violence as a tool of oppression, race, its connection to sexual violence, and violence prevention.

Thursday, April 7

MAV (Men Against Violence) Walk

On Thursday, April 7, the Men Against Violence Walk will talk place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The walk will start at the HUB’s “High School Musical” steps. This walk aims to get more men involved in the discussion about sexual violence and the awareness of how it can be prevented. Walkers must register before attending the event, and then can pick up free t-shirts and create signs before the event starts in HUB 129ABC.

“Take Back the Night

Also on Thursday, April 7, Lambda Theta Alpha, with support from UPUA, the Gender Equity Center, and Center Safe, will host a “Take Back The Night” rally. The rally will start at 6 p.m. on Old Main Lawn. This rally hopes to give survivors of sexual violence a safe space to share their stories and to provide resources for support.

Friday, April 8

“It’s On Us” Beyond The Binary Workshop

From 11 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 8, in 359 HHD Building, another version of the “It’s On Us” workshop will take place. This time, it’ll focus on discussion regarding gender stereotypes, gender identity, and the gender spectrum. To register for this workshop, click here.

What Were You Wearing?” Art Exhibit

A “What Were You Wearing” art exhibit will be on display from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, April 8, in HUB 233B. This art exhibit showcases stories from those in the Penn State community of what they were wearing when they were sexually assaulted. An online slideshow is also available.

Monday, April 11

Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention Gala benefiting Centre Safe

The SVAP gala will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, April 11, in the HUB’s Heritage Hall. This gala will feature hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction basket raffle, and guest speakers. Attendees will also have the opportunity to continue participating in a community weaving project to honor sexual violence victims. The attire for the gala is formal, and registration is required. A donation will be requested upon registration.

Tuesday, April 12

Honoring Survival: Transforming the Spirit

From 5 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12, in Room 107 in the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, this event will honor the strength and resiliency of sexual violence survivors. Participants will be able to listen to the stories of survivors through poetry, storytelling, and music.

The Penn State a cappella group, Blue in the Face, will also perform.

Wednesday, April 13

Cameron Esposito Keynote Speaker Event

The keynote speaker event for SVAP Week will take place starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13, in the HUB’s Freeman Auditorium.

Cameron Esposito is a Los-Angeles based standup comic, actor, and writer. She also hosts her own podcast, “Queery”, which features LGBTQ+ icons and their stories. Esposito has raised more than $100,000 for the RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network) organization. Additionally, a moderated Q&A will take place after the lecture.

Thursday, April 14

“It’s On Us” Sexual Citizenship Workshop

The final event of SVAP Week will be an “It’s On Us” sexual citizenship workshop. This workshop will serve as a safe space for discussions regarding relationships, boundaries, sex, and consent. To register for the event, click here.

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About the Author

Ryen Gailey

Ryen is a senior early childhood education major from "right outside of Philly" - or in exact words, from 23.0 miles outside of Philly. She loves all things Penn State and has been a huge Penn State gal since before she could walk. Send her pictures of puppies, or hate mail at [email protected]

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