Since 2001, groups across the country have recognized April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. While the issue certainly isn’t new on our campuses or in our communities, it is as important now as ever.

Every 98 seconds, someone in America is sexually assaulted.  Women ages 18-24 in college are three times more likely to experience sexual violence than women outside of that age range. Nearly 1 in 4 undergraduate females experience sexual violence. As a women’s organization, raising awareness for this issue and supporting our friends and sisters is a high priority. What can we do to be a part of the solution? Check out the ideas below.

• Participate in the It’s On Us Spring Week of Action! From April 2-8, universities 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, host your own! opens PDF file
• 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 from RAINN to intervene in any situation that appears unsafe.
• Utilize Kappa Delta’s Social Essentials Guide. Every chapter member and chapter advisor received a Social Essentials Guide for use in the chapter. Use this guide and the accompanying workshops to talk about sisterhood, safety, consent and other important concepts with your chapter.
• Take the It’s On Us Pledge. Do this on your campus, as a chapter or on your own. Take the pledge and post on social media to show your community that 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 work 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.