UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Relationship Violence Outreach, Intervention, and Community Education (R-VOICE) Center, in collaboration with campus and community partners, will host a series of events throughout April to mark Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). The month-long observance aims to raise awareness about sexual violence, support survivors, and empower students to take action.
This year’s national theme, “STEP FORWARD. Prevent. Report. Advocate.”, serves as a call to action for individuals to use their personal and collective strength to advance meaningful change in preventing and responding to sexual violence.
“These events are about creating a culture of support and connection,” said Sophia Mills, program coordinator for outreach and prevention with the R-VOICE Center, a unit in the division of Student Affairs. “By coming together, we build the kind of community where survivors feel seen, heard, and supported.”
“Take Back the Night” – 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, Old Main Lawn. "Take Back the Night," led by Lambda Theta Alpha with support from the R-VOICE Center and Centre Safe, provides victims of rape and sexual assault with a space to share their stories and learn about resources. Rallying at Old Main Lawn, students will march to different locations around campus, including the Penn State library, East Halls, and Pollock Halls, stopping to allow individuals to speak up and share their stories, ending at Old Main Lawn with a glow-stick vigil. The first 50 attendees will receive a free "Take Back the Night" t-shirt to show their support and spread awareness during the program and walk.
Alexa Nikolas Keynote: Eat Predators – 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 3, Alumni Hall, HUB-Robeson Center. Actress and activist Alexa Nikolas, founder of the Eat Predators movement, will deliver a keynote address on the systemic cover-up of sexual abuse in the music and entertainment industries. The event will include a discussion on survivor advocacy, justice, and community activism.
Get Your Groove On with Zumba and R-VOICE – 5:30–6:30 p.m., Monday, April 7,
Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center. Join R-VOICE and licensed Zumba instructor Celinda Casanova for a high-energy dance class featuring Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Reggaeton, Afrobeats, Dembow and Samba. This free event is open to all students, and no prior experience is needed. The first 50 attendees will receive an R-VOICE water bottle. Register online now.
Let’s Tac’obout Sexual Health – 6–8:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, 008 HUB-Robeson Center. Hosted by University Health Services and the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, this event features a spoken word performance by Ladi Glori, followed by a panel discussion with experts from UHS and R-VOICE. Attendees will learn about sexual health, consent, and campus resources while enjoying tacos in celebration of Taco Tuesday. Space is limited; register by April 1.
“What Were You Wearing?” Survivor Art Installation – 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Friday, April 11, HUB-Robeson Center. This art installation challenges the myth that clothing invites sexual violence. Through real stories and recreated outfits from members of the Penn State community, the exhibit offers a powerful reminder of the impact of victim-blaming and the importance of consent culture.
Honoring Survival – 4 p.m., Thursday, April 17, Palmer Museum of Art. This annual event, hosted by the R-VOICE Center and Centre Safe, honors the strength, resilience, and healing of survivors of sexual, emotional, and physical violence, while also recognizing the family, friends, and advocates who support them. Attendees will experience Transforming Trauma: An Art Exhibition, featuring artwork, photography, and other creative expressions from survivors. Live performances and a culminating gallery walk will celebrate survivor voices and storytelling through art. Students and community members can submit artwork using the Transforming Trauma submission form.
Denim Day – 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, HUB-Robeson Center. Wear denim and stop by the HUB-Robeson center to pick up a denim swatch, write a message of support, and learn how to be a part of the movement. Denim Day is a global movement that began after a 1998 Italian Supreme Court ruling implied a rape victim’s jeans indicated consent. In response, people worldwide wear denim in solidarity with survivors. Post a photo to social media using #DenimDay2025 and tag @rvoice_pennstate. Photos may also be emailed to Sophia Mills at skm5679@psu.edu for a chance to be featured on R-VOICE social media.
Men Against Violence Walk – Details to be announced. This annual walk empowers men and allies to speak out against sexual violence and show their commitment to prevention. Participants will gather for a mile-long walk around campus to raise awareness and affirm that ending sexual violence is everyone’s responsibility. Details to be announced.
For more information about Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month events, sexual violence prevention, and support resources, visit the Student Affairs website. Follow the R-VOICE Center on Instagram @rvoice_pennstate and email sophiamills@psu.edu to join the listserv.