Every April, communities across the country recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month, or SAAM. In 2026, the movement marks 25 years of national coordination, honoring decades of survivor advocacy while calling communities forward to continue the work of prevention and healing.
The roots of SAAM stretch back even further, grounded in grassroots organizing and survivor-led movements of the 1970s that brought national attention to sexual violence. In 2001, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center began formally coordinating SAAM as a nationwide campaign to create a shared space each April to raise awareness, challenge harmful norms and equip communities with tools to prevent violence.
This year’s theme, “25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward,” reflects both how far the movement has come and the work still ahead.
At Michigan State University, that work is ongoing.
MSU has made a sustained, university-wide commitment to addressing relationship violence and sexual misconduct through awareness and action. Since 2018, the university has required all students, faculty and staff to complete mandatory relationship violence and sexual misconduct, or RVSM, prevention training, reaching tens of thousands of Spartans each year and building a shared foundation of knowledge around consent, bystander intervention and support.
Guided by the work of the RVSM Expert Advisory Workgroup, MSU has implemented a five-year strategic plan which was recently completed. This included the completion of three Know More surveys which centered the voices and experiences of students, faculty and staff by exploring experiences with RVSM, workplace incivility, help-seeking and overall perceptions of campus climate.
Students at MSU have access to a range of confidential, survivor-centered resources. Established in 1980, the Center for Survivors provides free counseling and advocacy services for individuals impactedby sexual assault, sexual misconduct, relationship violence and stalking. In addition, the MSU Sexual Assault Healthcare Program, launched in November 2020, offers free, comprehensive post-assault medical care. Together, these services ensure that students have access to critical support, healing resources and care when they need it most.
To read more about MSU’s efforts in this area, visit the Our Commitment and Support More websites.
Here is a list of events happening across campus over the month of April:
It’s On Us Week of Action | March 30 – April 4
Kicking off the month is MSU’s It’s On Us Week of Action, a nationally recognized campaign that challenges bystanders to take an active role in preventing sexual assault. Running March 30 through April 4, the week features programming that empowers community members to intervene, speak up and hold one another accountable.
Monday, March 30: Day in the Life — Instagram takeover @MSUITSONUS highlighting prevention and advocacy work across campus (all day)
Tuesday, March 31: Survivors Matter with Strange Matter — Outside Olds Hall, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m (resource tabling and survivor support)
Tuesday, March 31: What’s in Your Mix? Dirty Soda Station — STEM Lobby, 3 to 5 p.m. (interactive activity on healthy relationships)
Wednesday, April 1: Threads of What Matters: Friendship Bracelets — Brody Lobby, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (community-building activity)
Wednesday, April 1: Love, Actually? Relationship Trivia — Business College Complex N130, 3 to 4p.m. (interactive trivia on relationships and consent)
Thursday, April 2: Prevention Palooza! — MSU Union, 3 to5 p.m. (games, tie-dye and campus resources)
Friday, April 3: Winning Sticker Reveal — Instagram @MSUITSONUS, 12 p.m. (student design reveal and awareness campaign)
POE Faculty and Staff Summit | April 10
On April 10, MSU will host the Prevention, Outreach and Education, or POE, Faculty and Staff Summit, a dedicated space for MSU employees to deepen their understanding of sexual violence prevention and learn how to support students and colleagues more effectively.
The summit is an opportunity for faculty and staff to engage directly with prevention frameworks, campus resources and strategies for fostering safe, respectful environments in their departments and classrooms.
Registration is required.
Center for Survivors Annual Art of Healing event | April 14 - by invitation only
This event showcases artwork and performances created by survivors, capturing their healing journeys. Art of Healing features an art gallery, live performances, interactive activities, refreshments and a space for survivors to connect.
Center for Survivors Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony | April 20 - by invitation only
This event celebrates the Survivor Advocacy and Crisis Intervention Volunteers and recognizes them for a year of service. SACI volunteers answer the 24/7 crisis hotline, provide response to the Crisis Chat from 10 a.m. to10 p.m. seven days per week and provide 24/7 response to the Sexual Assault Healthcare Program and MSU Residence Halls.
SACI Volunteers are trained to provide:
Confidential crisis intervention
Safety planning
Resources and linkage to care
Information on survivor rights
Medical or police accompaniment if the survivor chooses to meet with law enforcement and/or seek medical care.
Denim Day | April 29
MSU will close out Sexual Assault Awareness Month on April 29 with Denim Day, an internationally observed day of solidarity with survivors of sexual assault and rape. The tradition began in Italy following a 1999 court ruling that dismissed a rape conviction in part because of the victim’s clothing, prompting women parliamentarians to wear denim in protest.
On Denim Day, the MSU community is encouraged to wear denim as a visible statement that there is no excuse and never a reason to assault another person. It is a simple, powerful act of awareness and support.
Wear Denim, take a photo with the hashtag #DenimDay to show your support.