OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR

March 30, 2023

ALL STUDENTS, ACADEMICS AND STAFF AT UC SAN DIEGO (including UC San Diego Health)

UC San Diego Recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Each year, April is designated as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The initial goal of SAAM was to raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence, but it has since expanded to focus on community education and violence prevention. SAAM has been recognized at UC San Diego since 2007 and serves as an opportunity for all members of our community to get involved and learn more about our role in creating an anti-violent community.

CARE at the Sexual Assault Resource Center (CARE at SARC) orchestrates the campus-wide activities for SAAM, including the development of the annual theme. This year’s theme, Tritons Take Action, empowers us all to find tangible, daily ways to reduce harm in our communities and create healing spaces for the survivors in our lives.

Some of the key dates and events during SAAM 2023 include:

SAAM Day of Action - Tuesday, April 4
CARE at SARC Open House - Wednesday, April 12
Denim Day - Wednesday, April 26
Program Highlights:
- Yes, No, Maybe?: Clarifying Consent (as part of the iLead series)
- Healing through Writing (in partnership with the Women’s Center)
- Empowering Employees to Intervene: Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (in partnership with OPHD)
- Rainbow Reef: Art as Healing (in partnership with the LGBT Center)

For the full SAAM calendar, detailed event descriptions, and registration information, please visit saam.ucsd.edu and follow @ucsdcare on Facebook and Instagram.

In recognition of this annual event, two hours of administrative leave with pay has been approved so that employees may attend a UC San Diego Sexual Assault Awareness Month activity. Supervisors, upon request, may approve the use of such leave when the absence does not infringe upon the performance of required job duties or patient care.

While SAAM highlights the importance of raising awareness and building healthier communities free of sexual violence, we recognize that the increased prevalence of these discussions can be challenging for survivors with direct experience of these issues. If you are in need of support services or additional resources during this time, please contact our confidential CARE advocates at (858) 534-5793.

Pradeep K. Khosla
Chancellor