Ava Alexopoulos: Social Media Director
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month which is both powerful and disturbing. This month is dedicated to honor survivors, spread awareness, and encourage those to step up to the issues regarding the topic.
Here at Merrimack College, the wellness center takes a big priority in addressing heavy topics and making the community a safe place to let those be seen or heard. There are many different events, showcases, and activities lined up in April for students to check out and learn about.
Clothlines Project
Students are invited in the McQuade library to design shirts. They can paint and decorate meaningful messages on what consent meant to them. Each of the t-shirts are in bright colors and will be displayed in a line next to each other right beside the window to get the message across. It’s a powerful visual display that raises awareness and honors survivors of sexual violence.
Wear Teal Day
Every first Tuesday in April is when people around the world wear teal to show support for survivors for survivors, increase awareness, and promote prevention for sexual assault, harassment, and stalking. The teal color represents solidarity with the strength, resiliency, and empowerment survivors show. The Office of Wellness Education created teal “Consent Is” t-shirts and will hand them out to students during a tabling on Sakowich Main St.
Art Showcase Opening Reception
Students are invited different pieces of art to represent sexual assault. The opening reception for the art showcase will be held in the McCoy Gallery. There will be desserts, flower bouqueting, coloring, and art displayed on the wall. It’s another powerful piece presented in an artistic way
From Red Flags to Recovery: Healthy Relationships Workshop
Mya Kermelewicz will be holding a workshop to discuss the important factors of having a healthy relationship. This will be held in the Cassia Hall. Students are invited to attend to learn the value in recovering from red flags and how to move forward. They can also enter in a raffle where they could win fun prices such as a $100 Amazon gift card.
Denim Day/Take Back The Night
Denim day always falls on the last Wednesday of April for Sexual Assault Awarness month. This campaign wa created after a 1990s Italian court overturned a rape conviction, claiming tight jeans implied consent. Students are encouraged to wear denims for the campaign of rape prevention and victim support.
Self-Defense Class
A self-defense class will be held in the Casica Hall to teach students how to protect themselves in dangerous situations. Kailee’s program will use her martial arts, psychology, and personal background to teach mental, situational, and physical self-defense in a realistic, relatable fashion. Everyday Armor shows what’s really happening out there and how to feel safe in today’s world. The goal in this class is to bring life-changing skills to make students feel confident, independent, and safe.
