OPSU Bringing Awareness to Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (#SAAM), and OPSU organizations are bringing awareness in a multitude of ways. OPSU will be hosting a #SAAM Safe Project safety event on April 27 at 7:00 pm. A sexual assault victim’s advocate and survivor from the Northwest Domestic Crisis Services, Inc. in Guymon, will speak to students about her experience and empowerment. After the event, the group of students will walk around campus with staff to identify areas that students feel safe or unsafe and discuss ideas that OPSU can do to improve safety on campus.

Sexual assault is an abuse of power that affects an American every 73 seconds. College-aged adults are at a statistically higher risk for sexual violence. During April 2021, OPSU will be hosting “Wear Teal” day on April 6 and “Denim Day” on April 28, along with handing out Teal Ribbons to staff, faculty, and students.

OPSU student organization Pride and Allies League (PAL) has committed to a virtual event to flood Instagram with #SAAM. The Academic Resource Center will have snacks with facts and awareness information on April 28, Denim Day. Student Government Association is purchasing rocks and teal paint to put rocks with Teal ribbons around campus and #SAAM to promote awareness.

In addition to the events for #SAAM, a weekly Survivors Support group is offered every Friday at 3:00 pm in McKee Library 108 B.

Director of Counseling, Rene Ramon commented, “Although we can hope that nothing happens, if something does, then there are people and places to turn to on campus that are ready to help.”