Pace University to Host Series of Events in Recognition Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)

Pace Remains Dedicated to Fostering a Safer Campus Through Ongoing Efforts in Awareness, Prevention, and Advocacy.

Pace University’s Office of Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness (OSIW) will host a series of events for the month of April in recognition of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, (SAAM) to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it.

Over the course of the month, students, faculty, and staff will join in the University’s commitment to fostering a safe and healthy campus, preventing instances of sexual violence, and ensuring the fair and respectful treatment of all members of the campus community.

“Pace University stands firmly against sexual assault in any form, and we are committed to fostering a safe and respectful learning and working environments for all members of our community,” said assistant vice president of the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX coordinator Bernard Dufresne. “Through the events organized during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the university emphasizes educational and participatory opportunities for everyone. By comprehending the spectrum of sexual violence, emphasizing the importance of affirmative consent in every instance, acknowledging bystander intervention opportunities, and stressing accountability for inappropriate behavior, the university aims to foster continuous education throughout the campus.”

The purpose of the national SAAM campaign is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. In fact, April 2024 marks the official 23rd anniversary of NSVRC's Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year’s theme for SAAM is “Building Connected Communities.” According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), a campaign helps reduce the likelihood of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment in communities.

OSIW provides support and resources for current Pace University students who are or have been impacted by sexual assault and develops on-campus violence prevention initiatives, training, and events. OSIW supports current students who are or have been impacted by sexual misconduct and develops on-campus violence prevention initiatives, educational workshops, and a variety of events for the community. In addition, peer educators offer programming, workshops, and other learning opportunities throughout the year and are a non-confidential resource for Pace students.

Interpersonal violence Prevention and Education Specialist Asha Kadir said: “We aim to provide the Pace community with the knowledge and resources to create a safe environment. We all have a part to play in interpersonal wellness promotion and violence prevention, and our events aim to empower you, so we hope you can attend and make the most of the information shared and resources provided.”

SAMM Schedule of Events at Pace

The month kicks off with a “Title IX and Dine” lunch on April 3 at 12:00 p.m. hosted by the Title IX coordinator Bernard Dufresne in partnership with Pace Residential Life and the OSIW to educate students on their rights and get empowered with resources. Other SAAM events at Pace include:

• Sexology April 9.
• Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness Fair April 16.
• The annual Take Back the Night march is on April 17.
• Denim Day on April 17.
• An art show on April 25.

Title IX & Dine
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 | 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Butcher Suite

The Pace community is invited to join the Title IX & Dine lunch hosted by the Title IX coordinator Bernard Dufresne in partnership with the Office of Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness (OSIW), and Pace housing to learn more about your rights and get empowered with resources. Several on and off-campus partners will answer Pace students' questions about Title IX and use this as an opportunity to provide resources.

Sexology
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 | 3:30 p.m.
Kessel Lawn

A sex-positive and safe sex event hosted by the OSIW in partnership with Pride @ Pace and OMA/DP, which brings together over 100 students and community partners to learn about issues of sex and sexuality. A key aspect of this event is to build sex positivity, fostering an environment where topics around sexuality, health, and pleasure are spoken about openly without shame and stigma.

Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness Fair
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 | 2:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Kessel MPR

The Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness will be held at the NYC and Pleasantville Campuses. The key aim is to provide comprehensive, diverse, and inclusive health education, resources, and services. We hope to give the Pace community the knowledge and resources to support healthy decision-making and self-advocacy.

Denim Day
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 | 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Kessel Lawn

Denim Day is a national awareness campaign that encourages wearing denim on the last Wednesday of Sexual Assault Awareness Month to demonstrate support for survivors of sexual assault. Denim Day aims to support survivors and educate the community about sexual assault. We hope to raise awareness of victim blaming and the myths surrounding sexual violence by asking the community members to wear denim in solidarity.

Take Back the Night
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 | 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Kessel Multipurpose Room

Join us for the annual event Take Back the Night, aimed at ending sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse, and all other forms of sexual violence, and show our support for survivors of such violence. This event is all about empowering individuals with knowledge and a deeper understanding of the national and historical initiative of Take Back the Night. We will have experts from organizations that specialize in sexual violence resources and care at this event. They will be there to provide insights, answer questions, and help amplify a sense of community.

Annual Art Show
Thursday, April 25, 2024 | 4:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Kessel Multipurpose Room

Join us as we host the WestCOP Victims Assistance Services Annual Art Show, which is held during the National Week of Crime Victims' Rights Awareness. The Annual Art show is centered around these victims/survivors. It would only be able to occur with these individuals contributing their artwork, whether it be poetry, skits, paintings, music, and more. This is honored across the country, and this year, it will be observed the week of April 21-27, 2024. The theme is 'How would you help? Options, Services, and Hope for Crime Survivors".

For more information on events or resources, email akadir@pace.edu call (914) 773-8783 or visit the Office of Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness website.

Resources at Pace

Pace University wishes to make all members of the University Community aware of the various reporting and confidential and non-confidential resources available. For more information on campus and community resources, please visit the Campus And Community Resources webpage.

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.