Showing Support for SAAM: What is SAAM and the resources available to you?

Written by Isabella Halteman, Graphic by Ana Vergara

Content warning: This article discusses topics of sexual assault, violence, and abuse. 

April is Sexual Assault and Awareness Month (SAAM), dedicated to supporting and honoring victims of sexual violence and highlighting resources for communities. April is a month dedicated to reminding everyone that they are not alone, hope is thriving and this violence is not inevitable. At District, we want to hold that space for our community.

In 2024, unfortunately, there is no lack of people with stories of experiencing sexual violence. It can feel very isolating, and almost daunting, especially if you are a young college student in a new city. Even if you have not been impacted, there is fear of possible situations. And that is valid. Luckily, we have never had more information and resources accessible to everyone and some of those resources are available to you on campus as a SCAD student.

However, even with the availability of resources and communities of support, many victims will stay silent about their stories because it may seem as though no one will care or that others have worse experiences. The truth is no level of assault is not worthy of attention and help nor is there a scale to measure if your story deserves to be heard. Any assault can affect someone’s life and mental health in any way, and survivors deserve support. This is why conversation in safe spaces matters because if we normalize speaking up and creating spaces where people feel protected, fewer people will suffer alone. If you’re wondering how to help, encourage people to report violence regardless of severity. Even if it’s just sitting and listening — that support will help someone more than you realize. 

Another way to help yourself, and others, is through education. Research can help you understand the deeper history behind SAAM.

Know your communities’ resources. SCAD has a Title IX office dedicated to protecting our students, faculty, and staff from sex-based discrimination or harassment. But they cover so much more than sexual assault. The office offers support to those experiencing relationship violence, stalking, denial of equal access, etc. So how do you report or contact the Title IX office? To report any misconduct, you do not have to be the victim. If you are aware of a situation that occurred or is occurring you can (and should) report it. The office will walk you through your report, use the information to investigate it, and reach out to the victim to provide support and the next steps.

The office’s contact information includes:

Email: titleixcoordinator@scad.edu

Phone number: (912) 525-6810)

Reporting form: https://scad.guardianconduct.com/incident-reporting

The Bee Well offices are here for SCAD students for mental health support. Whether through individual, goal-oriented counseling or group sessions, the office and counselors at Bee Well can help you get the counseling you need or want. Scheduling an appointment is a phone call away to either their Savannah office at (912) 525-6971 or for Atlanta students, the office number is (404) 253-3210. A 24/7 emergency mental health hotline is also available at (877) 959-3620 and is listed on the back of your SCAD ID card. This includes the emergency mental health hotline number for Atlanta students.

For a general Savannah resource, Mary’s Place is an amazing local center dedicated to helping survivors and providing education for sexual assault prevention. They opened in 1975 as a rape crisis center and are still open today working towards their vision of a violence-free future. Throughout April, the organization has been hosting events in support of SAAM. Last week, on Tuesday, April 9 from 6-8 p.m. Mary’s Place hosted a solidarity walk in Forsyth Park. Another event you can participate in is a month-long invitation to wear jeans to showcase your support. Jeans for Justice also known as Denim Day, began in 1999 after an Italian supreme court case overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing jeans. Mary’s Place is also hosting a Lip Sync competition on Friday, April 26 at Victory North, a fundraising event where all proceeds go towards supporting survivors of sexual assault and prevention education.

While April is the nationally recognized month for SAAM, every month should be dedicated to sexual assault awareness, education and support. This month is a time to uplift survivors, create safe spaces, start conversations, and work towards a better future. Take some extra time this month to research or showcase your support for SAAM and your community. The more we speak up about these topics, the safer and more informed we can all be.