April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, and as a women’s organization, raising awareness for this issue and supporting our friends and sisters should be a top priority.

Every 98 seconds, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted. Women ages 18-24 in college are three times more likely to experience sexual violence than women outside that age range. Nearly one in four undergraduate females experience sexual violence. These numbers aren’t easy to hear, but we have the power to make a positive impact. Whether you’re a chapter member, advisor or alumna, you can use the tips below to get involved and discuss this issue with those around you.

• Participate in the It’s On Us Spring Week of Action April 2-6! This week, campuses across the country are hosting events to raise awareness and promote safety in their campus communities. If no one else on campus is hosting one, you can take the lead using the It’s On Us Toolkit!
• Show You C.A.R.E. Preventing sexual assault in our communities depends on us looking out for one another. Follow the C.A.R.E. tips from RAINN to intervene in any situation that appears unsafe.
• Utilize Kappa Delta’s Social Essentials Guide. Every chapter member and chapter advisor has a Social Essentials Guide for use in the chapter. Use this guide and the accompanying workshops to talk about sisterhood, safety and how to respond to instances of sexual assault or violence in your life or the life of those close to you.
• Take the It’s On Us Pledge. Organize a pledge-signing campaign on your campus or in your chapter. Take the pledge and post on social media to show your community you are committed to keeping men and women safe from sexual assault.

While the safety of our sisters is always a priority, take advantage of this month to really engage in raising awareness and working to prevent sexual assault on your campus and in your communities. Kappa Delta is committed to building confidence and inspiring action in those around us. Demonstrate those values as we do our part to end sexual violence.