April 1 marks the start of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Fairfield University plans to recognize the month with a series of initiatives and an event. Throughout April, students can expect to see teal ribbons placed around campus, “a symbol of solidarity with survivors and a commitment to ending sexual violence,” according to Marisol Rivera-Barresi, Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Equity Case Manager.
Building on the placement of teal ribbons, students participating in classes at the RecPlex will have the option to write a message on paper ribbons, which will then be placed in the windows around room L02. Rivera-Barresi shares that this is meant to be a “reminder that we’re here for each other.”
Sophomore Sage Stefanski, a Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies major, adds, “I think it’s important to recognize sexual assault awareness month to support survivors and encourage more conversation around the topic. Many people feel like they cannot come forward or will not be believed. I think having a month of support for survivors can combat shame and fear around the conversation of sexual assault.”
Additionally, the Equity and Title IX office, Counseling and Psychological Office, and Fairfield University Wellness Center will be co-hosting an event on April 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. The event, called Healthy Habits, is meant to draw students’ attention to both Sexual Assault Awareness month and Alcohol Awareness Month.
At Healthy Habits, students can expect a number of “hands on activities symbolic of the awareness we’re trying to spread.” Such activities include planting a lavender seed, a number of games meant to learn about drug use, an interactive opportunity to learn more about drink measurements, and a gambling van, in which students can learn more about decision making.
Rivera-Barresi’s main goal with Healthy Habits as well as placing ribbons around campus is to emphasize that Fairfield has a lot of resources available to students. Most of all, she wants students to “know where they can go.”
Last year, an analysis of reported sexual assault cases on campus showed that cases in 2023 had doubled compared to the year prior. Students who would like more information regarding the resources available to them can visit Fairfield University’s website. Additionally, students can reach out to the Equity and Title IX Office at equity@fairfield.edu or file a Sexual Misconduct Incident Report Form.