Sexual Violence Awareness Month

Sexual Violence Awareness Month: Originally a week in October was designated for Sexual Assault Awareness and another week in October for Domestic Violence Awareness. But as the Domestic Violence movement began doing more through out October, there was the need to have a separate time for sexual assault and time in between to give dual coalitions and agencies a chance to prepare for both. In 1987, the membership of the National Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NCASA) voted to have a national Sexual Assault Awareness Week to be determined by the Board of Directors. States were formally polled and April was the month selected. We in Vermont observe Sexual Violence Awareness Month because we see the need for the community to come together to end all sexual violence.

UVM and Burlington Community Agencies partner each April to plan a series of events which include the Take Back the Night Rally & Speak-Out and the annual Healing Fire at the Women's Center. The Healing Fire creates a welcoming and supportive space to break the isolation that survivors may feel, build community, and offer a place where survivors can begin or continue their healing. Fire has been used to ceremoniously bring cleansing and release to the soul and to help facilitate healing. Many other events are planned each April. Click on the links above to see past schedules and to see events planned for 2007.

University of Vermont
Women's Center
34 South William's
Telephone: 802-656-7892
e-mail: women@uvm.edu
Directions