Tools for Change: How uSafeUS® is Honoring Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)

Every April, communities across the country come together to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month—a time dedicated to education, reflection, and action. This year marks the 25th anniversary of SAAM, and organizations like uSafeUS are continuing the work of bringing these conversations to college campuses, where they are needed more than ever.

Sexual assault (SA) remains one of the most widespread challenges facing college students today. Research shows approximately 26% of female and 7% of male undergraduate students are sexually assaulted during their college years. Despite these numbers, many survivors never report their experiences nor reach out to the resources designed to support them. These realities underscore how much work remains to eliminate SA on college campuses and to ensure every survivor feels supported and heard.

At uSafeUS, the goal is not just to raise awareness, but to empower students, educators, and campus leaders with tools to take meaningful action. The uSafeUS SAAM toolkit is designed with this in mind, offering creative and accessible ways for college communities to get involved. From a myth-busting card game to spark conversation, to book club guides for residence halls and student organizations, the toolkit makes it easier to engage students where they are. The toolkit also includes ideas for hosting SAAM-themed movie nights, along with public service announcements and curated playlists for college radio stations.

Faculty and staff aren’t left out of the conversation either. uSafeUS has developed ready-to-use announcements and resources that instructors can share in their classrooms, helping to foster a campus culture that actively stands against sexual violence.

What makes initiatives like these so powerful is their ability to open dialogue. Talking about sexual assault—while not always easy—can break down stigma, encourage understanding, and create spaces where survivors feel seen, heard, and supported. These conversations can be the catalyst for someone to seek help, share their story, or simply realize they are not alone.

Cantor, D., Fisher, B., Chibnall, S., et al.  (2019). Report on the AAU Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct. Association of American Universities (AAU). https://www.aau.edu/newsroom/press-releases/aau-releases-2019-survey-sexual-assault-and-misconduct