Sexual Assault Action Month (SAAM) is an important time to raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault and its impact on survivors and to take action to support those impacted within our community. As we partner with Cal Poly Safer this month, we will focus on resistance and resiliency.

Resistance refers to the ways in which survivors of sexual assault can resist by speaking out about their experiences, refusing to buy into narratives of victim-blaming, and seeking help from supportive friends or professionals.

Resiliency refers to the ability of survivors to recover from the trauma of the sexual assault and rebuild their lives. Resilience does not mean that survivors are unaffected by their assault, but that they can heal from the trauma and continue to live fulfilling lives. This can include seeking therapy or other forms of support, practicing self-care, and finding ways to reclaim their sense of agency and control.

By highlighting these themes, we can support and uplift survivors and help create a more understanding, compassionate, and supportive culture.