Lizzie Swanson ‘28
Chief News Editor
As April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Holy Cross has planned a number of events for our community members to participate in. Here on the Hill, our community is dedicated to fostering a safe environment where survivors of assault can feel empowered to speak up about their own experiences, seek justice, work to promote awareness around sexual violence, as well as reduce the stigma that surrounds it. The Title IX & Equal Opportunity Office has crafted 4 weeks of events and advocacy which plans to help students stay informed and protected. This year’s theme asks the question, “Who are you online?” The theme invites students to reflect on how the digital world relates to their morals and values and hopes to start a conversation about how Holy Cross can think about consent, accountability, and respect both in person and online.
Week 1 has a variety of different events for students to participate in including talks, resource tabling, and panels. From April 6-10 from 11am-2pm, The Clothesline Project will be available for viewing in Hogan 1. The project is an impactful display that “raises awareness about sexual violence while honoring victim-surviors through messages of resilience, hope, and solidarity.” The Office of Title IX & Equal Opportunity has partnered with Pathways for Change to display shirts, symbolizing the impact of sexual assault. On April 8 from 10-11am in Hogan 402, there will be a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Training. This program educates participants on medical forensic exams after sexual assault as well as teaches those involved how to support a survivor when they are seeking medical help. On April 9 from 8-9pm, Relationship Coach Lauren Goyette will host “Modern Dating & Confident Communication” available only to students in Ciampi. The workshop helps students with confidence, self-awareness, and the communication skills needed to take on modern dating. Following the workshop there will be an Ice Cream Sundae Bar.
The second week of Sexual Assault Awareness Month begins with tabling in Hogan 1 on April 13 from 10am-2pm where Relationship Peer Educators (RPEs) will have supplies for students to write notes of care, solidarity, and encouragement for survivors on large teal ribbons. These ribbons will then be hung during “Take Back the Night.” This event, hosted on the Hoval at 7pm on April 15 is an opportunity for all Holy Cross community members to stand in solidarity with sexual assault survivors and “affirm a shared commitment to a safer, more supportive campus.” The program will include survivor stories, a guided reflection and discussion as well a peaceful march. As stated by Title IX, “Participants are welcome to share personal stories. Stories that are shared at this event will not initiate a Title IX report or investigation. The following day on April 16, The Department of Public Safety will be in the D’Agostino Cafe Area from 11am-1pm. Here, students can learn more about the RAVE Guardian App, a safety tool designed to turn phones into personal emergency devices. Students who download this app on-site or show they have it installed will be entered to win one of two Amazon gift cards, totaling $50.
During its third week, programs begin on April 20 from 3-5pm at The Jo. PSA videos from the One Love Foundation will outline abuse that is not just physical. Online abuse is real and can be very isolating. This event will help to educate students on unhealthy relationships online. On April 22 from 11am-1pm, Lobby Table 1 in Hogan will spark conversations about creating healthy communication online. The event asks, “Are you on Fizz? Do you think Fizz posts are reflective of our campus community? Let’s talk about it!” Finally, on April 23 from 10am-2pm on Hogan 1, the RPEs will host a table where students can learn how to spot cyber abuse and learn more about healthy relationships.
During the final week of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the events will kickoff with the annual Denim Day on Thursday, April 23. Denim Day, founded in the 1990s, originates from a case where the Italian Supreme Court overruled a rape conviction because the victim was wearing tight jeans, implying she ‘must have been asking for it.’ Wearing denim on that Thursday shows support for survivors of sexual assault and sparks conversation regarding consent and pushes back against victim-blaming. On April 29 at 4pm in Rehm Library, the installation of Ribbons of Remembrance and Repair will take place. Hosted by the Office of the Provost, the event will “be an occasion for centering survivor experiences of faculty sexual misconduct, collective memory, and making a pledge to active solidarity through a participatory restorative practice.” All members of the Holy Cross community are welcome to attend. Finally, the month’s last event on April 30 is just for employees. From 3-4pm on Zoom (registration required on Ignite) there will be an event hosted by Mimi Arbeit, PHD titled, “From Online Influences to Campus Climate: Supporting Healthier Masculinities.” This talk will educate employees on strategies to respond to warning signs of sexual violence in students.
The College of the Holy Cross is dedicated to fostering a safe environment for all those who reside and participate in our community. If you or anyone you know has questions or concerns about sexual assault and violence, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Title IX & Equal Opportunity, the Department of Public Safety, the Chaplain’s Office, Health Services, or the RPEs.
Featured image courtesy of WNEM
Copy Edited by Sophia Mariani ‘26
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