Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Theme
This year our campaign is "Kats Paws for Consent." Consent is an agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity. Consent should be clearly and freely communicated. A verbal and affirmative expression of consent can help both you and your partner to understand and respect each other's boundaries.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) 2026 - Events Schedule
Events hosted on campus are free and open to all faculty, staff and students at Sam Houston State University. Details are provided below for each event description. We look forward to seeing you!
SAAM Social media kickoff
When: April 1-30
Where: Online - @SHSUSAAM2026
The 30 days of SAAM social media campaign engages the campus community with daily action prompts to promote awareness and prevention of sexual assault. We encourage you to post on your social media accounts in support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month using the hashtags #30daysofsaam #shsusaam2026.
Sponsored by: Title IX & Student Discrimination Resolution
SAAM read & grow Book Display
When: April 1-30
Where: Newton Gresham Library - 2nd floor near the Circulation Desk
This April, we honor the 25th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Our display highlights stories of survival, strength, and community, from powerful nonfiction to inspiring fiction that uplifts the voices of those affected by sexual violence. We invite you to explore these books, learn ways to support survivors, and discover how each of us can help build safer, more compassionate communities. Free bookmarks will be available.
Sponsored by: Newton Gresham Library & Title IX & Student Discrimination Resolution
SAAM Kickoff & Teal Ribbon Giveaway
When: April 1
Time: 11:00AM-12:30PM
Where: Frank Parker Plaza
Come join the Sexual Assault Awareness Month kick-off event with the purpose of creating awareness for sexual assault prevention at SHSU. Come get a free teal ribbon to show your support and a chance to get free prizes for SAAM.
Sponsored by: Title IX & Student Discrimination Resolution
ROTC ruck march
When: April 2
Time: 6:00AM-7:00AM
Where: SHSU Campus
In support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), the Bearkat Battalion loads up and marches 4 miles with donation items to be donated to the local Huntsville Sexual Assault and Abuse Free Environment (SAAFE) House nearby campus. During the ruck, all attendees are encouraged to consider their roles as future leaders and how they might impact future lives through their advocacy and support of preventing sexual misconduct.
Sponsored by: SHSU Military Science Department
When time stands still
When: April 2
Time: 2:00PM-4:00PM
Where: Criminal Justice Center, Hazel B. Kerper Courtroom
This presentation will provide a brief history of the rape kit backlog in Dallas, examine how the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office has responded through comprehensive testing, strategic investigation, and survivor-centered prosecution. Additionally, the presentation will outline the Dallas County DA office’s model of survivor centered and trauma informed investigation and prosecution of cold case sexual assaults, share key findings uncovered through our ten years of work on the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Project funded by BJA, a case study of a serial sexual offender emphasizing why every sexual assault kit must be tested, and a call to action to ensure accountability, restore trust, and never allow systemic barriers to fail survivors of sexual assault in this manner ever again.
Sponsored by: SHSU Department of Victim Studies
consent + f.r.i.e.s.
When: April 7
Time: 12:00PM-1:00PM
Where: Frank Parker Plaza
FRIES is a national program discussing and educating on consent. Join the Counseling Center and Student Wellness to learn more about FRIES and community resources!
F.R.I.E.S. = Freely Given | Reversible | Informed | Enthusiastic | Specific
Sponsored by: SHSU Counseling Center & Student Wellness
"steal for teal" baseball game
When: April 7
Time: 6:00PM-7:00PM
Where: Don Sanders Stadium
Men's Baseball v. University of Houston
Annual SHSU men's baseball game to show support for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Come cheer on the baseball team and show your support for sexual assault prevention at SHSU.
Sponsored by: SHSU Athletics
title ix myth vs. fact
When: April 8
Time: 2:30PM-3:30PM
Where: LSC 230
Event for SHSU Staff & Faculty
Join SHSU's Title IX Coordinator, Natalie Isaac, as she leads an interactive training for mandatory reporters on the myths and facts about Title IX.
Sponsored by: Staff Senate & Title IX & Student Discrimination Resolution
"steal for teal" softball game
When: April 10
Time: 6:00PM-7:00PM
Where: Bearkat Softball Complex
Women's Softball v. Missouri State
Annual SHSU women's softball game to show support for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Come cheer on the softball team and show your support for sexual assault prevention at SHSU.
Sponsored by: SHSU Athletics
"is this o-queso? Let's taco 'bout it" - taco tuesday
When: April 14
Time: 11:30AM-1:00PM
Where: General's Market
Come grab a taco and some teal desserts at General's Market. We can "Taco 'bout" consent, which is an important part of any healthy relationship and find out "Is this O-Queso?"
Sponsored by: Title IX & Student Discrimination Resolution & Aramark
saam health hut: dear survivors
When: April 14
Time: 2:00PM-4:00PM
Where: Outside Newton Gresham Library Main Entrance
Join Student Wellness in supporting sexual assault survivors by writing a note of support.
Sponsored by: Student Wellness
take back the night
When: April 16
Time: 6:00PM-8:00PM
Where: LSC 320
"Take Back the Night" promotes awareness and honors survivors of sexual assault and sexual violence on campus and in the Huntsville community. Rally, march & speak out. Refreshments provided.
Sponsored by: Dr. Kathleen Ratajczak's Violence Against Women Class, SHSU Department of Victim Studies & Title IX & Student Discrimination Resolution
painting with a purpose
When: April 21
Time: 9:00AM-12:00PM
Where: Criminal Justice Center, Flag Room
Students, faculty, staff, community members, and survivors of human trafficking are invited to join us in creating artwork in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Participants may keep their paintings or donate them to be sold as part of a fundraiser supporting local survivors. No artistic experience is required, and all materials will be provided. Everyone is welcome.
Sponsored by: SHSU Department of Victim Studies
denim day stories & activity
When: April 28-30
Time: 11:00AM-1:00PM
Where: Frank Parker Plaza
"Denim Day" is a call to action for the campus community to participate and come together by sharing and wearing denim as a visible sign of support against sexual assault. Come out and participate in the workshop with CVSA to advocate for Sexual Assault Awareness Month by writing statements on denim. Jean donations are appreciated!
Sponsored by: Crime Victim Services Alliance (CVSA)
"National denim day" group photo
When: April 29
Time: 11:30AM-12:00PM
Where: Bell Tower
“Denim Day” is an opportunity for our campus community to come together by wearing denim, to help raise awareness and demonstrate your commitment during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. All members of the campus community are warmly encouraged to join us and take part in the group photo as we stand together in solidarity.
Sponsored by: Title IX & Student Discrimination Resolution