April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and departments across campus are reminding the UCCS community of resources, reporting options, and ways we can work together to prevent sexual assault, as well as how we can support each other when unwanted experiences happen.
Throughout the month of April, there will be series of on-campus events to help draw attention to the prevalence of sexual assault and educate individuals on how to prevent it:
- First week of April: “Paint the Campus Teal!” Look for teal ribbons painted on the windows around campus to raise awareness for SAAM.
- Tuesday, April 15: Self-Defense Class from 6–7 p.m. at the Campus Recreation Athletic Training Room. Everyone is welcome!
- Wednesday, April 23: Join us for the SAAM Support Walk! Meet at the Gallogly Recreation and Wellness Center in the Zen Den at 3 p.m. to make signs and decorate t-shirts. The support walk will take place from 4–6 p.m., covering a distance of about one mile.
- Wednesday, April 30: Denim Day. The UCCS community is encouraged to wear denim to take a stand against sexual violence. Why denim? Learn more here.
- Wednesday, April 30: Finding Our Voices will be hosting a tabling outreach event in the Student Life Lounge on Denim Day, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop by to learn how you can raise awareness, stand with survivors, and design a denim swatch as a powerful statement of support.
- For more information, please visit Mountain Lion Connect.
In addition to the events above and the resources noted below, you can find a number of campus and community resources, including confidential resources, posted on OIE’s website.
OIE is the campus office designated to address reported incidents of sexual assault involving students, staff, faculty and others affiliated with our campus. OIE administers the University of Colorado (CU) Sexual Misconduct, Intimate Partner Violence, and Stalking Policy (compliant with Title IX), the UCCS Discrimination and Harassment Policy, and the CU Conflict of Interest in Cases of Amorous Relationships Policy. You may review OIE’s Resolution Procedures and the Applicable Policies here.
On-Campus Resources:
- Office of Institutional Equity (OIE)
719-255-4324 | Email OIE | Reporting Options - UCCS Police Department (on-campus incidents & 24/7 campus safety escort)
719-255-3111 | UCCS Police Website | Rave Guardian Mobile App - Colorado Springs Police Department (off-campus incidents)
719-444-7000 (non-emergency) | 911 (emergency) - Wellness Center (students)
Wellness Center | 719-255-4444 (medical and counseling services; confidential) - Dean of Students Office (students)
Website | 719-255-3091 - CARE Team (students)
CARE Team - CSEAP
Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (confidential mental health support)
Off-Campus Resources:
- Sexual Assault Nurse Examination (SANE) | 719-365-8333 (confidential for everyone)
- UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central – 1400 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
- UCHealth Memorial Hospital North – 4050 Briargate Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
- Colorado Springs Police Department (off-campus incidents)
- 719-444-7000 (non-emergency) | 911 (emergency)
- National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
- TESSA
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
- You Have the Right
- Haseya Advocate Program
What else can we do?
- Talk about consent with our partners. Consent means affirmative consent, which is unambiguous and voluntary agreement to engage in a specific sexual activity. Consent is clear, knowing, and voluntary words or actions that create mutually understandable clear permission of willingness to engage in, and the conditions of, sexual activity. Consent must be active; silence by itself cannot be interpreted as consent. Consent is not effectively given if it results from the use of force, including threats or intimidation, or if it is from someone who is incapacitated.
- Make sure we ask for consent for EVERY sexual interaction!
- When we DON’T have consent, we can respect the person and ourselves. Find something else to do, or somewhere else to be, where the pressure is off each of you. You will never regret not hurting someone.
- Anyone can make a report to the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE), or police department. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, even if you’re not sure, you can report it.
- UCCS employees, including student employees, are considered “responsible employees” and are required to report incidents of sexual assault to the OIE.
Students and employees who have experienced sexual assault, harassment or discrimination have access to multiple resources on campus and in the community for support and reporting. A full list of resources, and how to make a report, is available through the Office of Institutional Equity at uccs.edu/equity.
Sponsors and event partners include the Office of Institutional Equity, Office of the Dean of Students, Kramer Family Library, UCCS Wellness Center, MOSAIC and Student Life.
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