Sexual Assault Awareness Month supports survivors and educates others

Throughout April, Pitt is marking Sexual Assault Awareness Month with workshops on prevention and on being an active bystander and events supporting survivors.

A vigil supporting survivors of sexual misconduct was held online on April 8.

The Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Office is collecting messages to create a wall of support for survivors. These messages will be displayed on the website, Pitt Supports SurvivorsYou can submit messages here, and can include text, images or videos.

Pitt’s It’s On Us campaign is partnering with SETpoint to offer trainings open to the University community. SETpoint Empowerment Self Defense is a holistic model of self-defense that has been shown to provide powerful, preventative tools for reducing sexual and physical assault. The sessions are from noon to 1 p.m. April 7, 9, 14 and 16, and will focus on situational awareness, setting boundaries, basic physical resistance and being an active bystander. Find more information and links to register on the Sexual Assault Awareness Month webpage.

Two mini-workshops — from 4 to 4:30 p.m. April 12 and 16 — also will be taught on being an active bystander.

Other upcoming events include:

  • Supporting Gay Black and Latino Male Sexual Assault Survivors: noon to 1 p.m. April 15. Register here.

  • Creating Inclusive Spaces for Survivors: noon to 12:45 p.m. April 29. Register here.