Teal Week, which is sponsored by the SLU Advocates Program, commenced this past Monday, April 9. Meant to highlight the experiences of sexual assault survivors, Teal Week occurs each year in April – national sexual assault awareness month.
With 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men affected by sexual assault in their lifetime, Teal Week is meant to not only honor survivors of sexual assault, but also to raise awareness of, and hopefully putting an end to, the high rates of sexual assault on college campuses nationwide.
Events like Take Back the Night, in which survivors share their stories with the campus community, aim to offer a message of solace for others, emphasizing that survivors are never alone, and that there will always be members of the St. Lawrence community willing to listen to and aid them in any way possible.
The events scattered throughout the week this year have so far included a Take Back the Night ceremony, an Open Mic night at Java, an event entitled “How Sexual Assault Affects Us All,” as well as a Sober Sip and Paint Day.
Today, Friday, April 13, will feature a photo campaign highlighting why individuals believe survivors, a trip to Lampson Falls in conjunction with the OC, and the beginning of Advocates AWARE training. AWARE training is a three day certification process for becoming an advocate.
The photo campaign will continue into Saturday, and on Sunday there will be Teal Week yoga as well as a Teal Week themed gospel service.
The Advocates have been tabling all week in the Student Center, handing out small teal ribbons for individuals to pin on their clothes, packs, or anywhere else they see fit. The teal ribbon, seen on many a St. Lawrence student’s shirt or sweater this past week, emphasizes the wearer’s support of survivors of sexual assault.
Abigail Costigan ’19, a member of the Women’s Resource Center, states, “Teal week is important becaue it raises awareness about sexual assault across campus. It is also a time for important events like ‘How Sexual Assault Affects Us All.’”
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, the following resources are available to contact at any time:
SLU Advocates Hotline:
(315) 244-5466
Campus Safety and Security:
(315) 229-5555
Renewal House:
(315) 379-9845