April Is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)

March 23, 2026
To: Campus Community
From: University Compliance
Subject: April Is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)
Date: Mar 23, 2026

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), an annual observance to increase understanding, amplify the voices of survivors and empower our community to work together to promote safety and respect. In a survey by the American Association of Universities, 13% of students reported experiencing nonconsensual sexual contact. Together we can change the way we understand, talk about and respond to sexual assault. 

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault is nonconsensual sexual contact or attempted contact, and includes incidents where an individual is unable to consent. Sexual assault is a violation of university expectations and behavioral codes, and a violation of the law.

What is consent? 

Consent is necessary to ensure that sexual contact is mutual. It is shown through clear, affirmative words or actions, by someone who freely wants to participate in sexual activity and who is able to provide consent. This means that they are not incapacitated, threatened or coerced, and that they are of legal age to consent.

How you can help

  • Be aware. Bystander intervention is an effective way to reduce rates of sexual assault. Bystanders can help prevent sexual assault before it happens by helping targeted persons get to safety, impeding perpetrators and leveraging their positions to speak up. Learn more about effective bystander intervention.
  • Build community. Participate in one of the university events in support of SAAM, including the Wildcats Roar Against Sexual Violence 5K on Thursday, April 2, and the SAAM Resource Fair on Tuesday, April 7, on the U of A Mall.

University resources

As a community, we can act together to raise awareness and help prevent sexual assault.