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CARE promotes collective action and collective care during Sexual Assault Action Month

CARE hopes to empower students with knowledge to combat sexual and relationship violence   

To recognize Sexual Assault Action Month (SAAM), Áñ—†ÊÓƵ’s Center for Awareness, Response and Education (CARE) has a special lineup of educational Áñ—†ÊÓƵming in April, with a theme of collective action and collective care.  

“The idea is to build community here at Áñ—†ÊÓƵ to help support people who Áñ—†ÊÓƵ experienced sexual violence, but also to help shift culture and conversation around sexuality, sexual violence and healthy relationships,” said Tess Benser, CARE’s assistant director of outreach and sexual wellness.  

CARE works year-round to create a culture of healthy sexuality on campus and is a confidential space for students impacted by sexual and relationship violence. According to Carrie Wachter, director of CARE and Health Prevention and Wellness (HPaW), April is a key time for survivors and allies across campus to come together to learn and take action.  

 "We approach April as a time to transition from learning to doing," Watcher said. "We've spent time creating moments of education and discussion, and now we focus on how to take meaningful action." 

Benser emphasized how this issue impacts all Áñ—†ÊÓƵ students. 

“Even if a student is not a survivor of relationship violence or sexual violence, they may know somebody who is,” Benser said. “We Áñ—†ÊÓƵ some really motivated and empathetic students who want to understand this issue and to care for one another, so we are also trying to approach this month as a way to build community.” 

With the help of the HPaW team, CARE has expanded its SAAM Áñ—†ÊÓƵming to emphasize wellness. For example, CARE is holding a “Financial Wellness for Survivors” event in April. The event will discuss financial impacts on survivors and resources for building financial autonomy. 

The overarching theme of collective action and collective care has shaped events like the Community Care Art Supply Swap Night. Students will Áñ—†ÊÓƵ the opportunity to exchange art supplies they no longer use for different ones they would like to try out. CARE will also bring in community resources dedicated to relationship and sexual violence from the Chicago area for the evening. 

The month will also feature Alyssa Bokotey from the Evanston YWCA who will discuss approaches to pleasure after experiences of harm and a keynote address from Alisa Zipursky, author of “Healing Honestly.” Zipursky’s talk will focus on reclaiming authenticity and finding a role during Sexual Assault Action Month.  

One of CARE’s focuses is teaching sexual health, which Benser said is important in preventing sexual harm.  

Moreover, Wachter said that because students come in with varying backgrounds in knowledge about sexual health, consent and sexual violence, the education piece of CARE and of SAAM is crucial. 

“One of the ways we see the work we do at CARE is to help fill those gaps, help answer the questions and help people feel that they can navigate relationships,” Wachter said. 

Registration for CARE’s SAAM events is now open. 

For support or for a sexual health consultation in April and every month, with a CARE staff member or stop by a drop-in space.