Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2025
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). SAAM is dedicated to talking openly about the impact of sexual violence, supporting victim-survivors, raising funds to support services, and increasing the community’s knowledge of sexual violence. Community members are invited to join DVIP/RVAP this April to honor the stories and lives impacted by sexual violence. We are deeply committed to supporting people affected by sexual assault, educating the public, and advocating for systemic change. SAAM allows us to highlight our efforts and work towards creating safer communities. We have planned several events and activities throughout our eight-county service region to support our cause and build awareness for our services.
SAAM Day of Action
Teal is the nationally recognized color of sexual assault awareness. Join DVIP & RVAP in wearing teal on April 1st to show support and raise awareness for victims of sexual assault.
We encourage you to share your photos of your teal outfit on social media using the hashtag #TealTuesday, and tag us @dvipiowa. By doing so, you help spread the message that we stand together in the fight against sexual assault and that there is hope, help, and healing available.
Consent Karaoke
Join DVIP & RVAP for a karaoke event where you can sing your heart out to tunes that celebrate healthy relationships and model consent. Consent Karaoke takes place at Allycat (13 S Linn St, Iowa City) on April 3rd at 7-10 PM. Donations will be collected at the door and information about DVIP & RVAP services will be available throughout the night.
Stretch for Survivors
DVIP & RVAP partnered with yoga studios across our service region to offer several one-hour classes, with all proceeds supporting DVIP & RVAP. Stretch for Survivors will be held on April 6th at Kalioke Movement Lounge (Burlington) at 10 AM, at all 3 HotHouse Yoga studios (Iowa City, North Liberty, Coralville) at 1:30 PM, and and Zen Soul Yogapothecary (Fort Madison). Tickets go on sale March 12th!
Shop for Survivors
DVIP & RVAP will host the first annual Shop for Survivors, a donation drive to collect goods needed for people affected by sexual assault with the support of the community.
- Shop for Survivors (Johnson County): April 12, 8 AM-2:30 PM
- All area Hy Vee and Fareway locations.
- Shop for Survivors (Regional): April 16, 3:30-6:30 PM
- Hy Vee and Fareway locations in Keokuk,
Ft. Madison, Washington, Mt. Pleasant, and Burlington.
- Hy Vee and Fareway locations in Keokuk,
Take Back the Night
Join DVIP & RVAP and WRAC at the University of Iowa Pentacrest on April 22nd at 6:00 PM to protest sexual assault culture and show solidarity with people affected by sexual assault.
Clothesline Project
The Clothesline Project is a visual display of violence statistics that often go ignored. Each shirt is made by a survivor of violence or by someone who has lost a loved one to violence.
We invite those impacted by violence to make a shirt to include in the clothesline project on Sunday, March 30th, April 13th, and April 20th at the Women’s Resource and Action Center.
View the clothesline project on April 22nd in Downtown Iowa City.
Denim Day
Join DVIP & RVAP in wearing denim jeans on April 30th, to show support for people affected by sexual assault.
The Denim Day campaign began in 1999 after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court to overturn a rape conviction because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped the person who raped her remove them, thereby implying consent. Following the reversal, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim.
We encourage you to share your photos of your Denim Day fit on social media using the hashtag #DVIPRVAPDenim, and tag us @dvipiowa. By doing so, you help spread the message that we stand together in the fight against sexual assault and that there is hope, help, and healing available.
City and County Proclamations
DVIP & RVAP staff will receive proclamations at city council meetings and board of supervisor meetings throughout our eight-county service region. This activity highlights the important partnerships we have with our communities, and to thank them for supporting victims and our organization.
Sweets for SANE
DVIP & RVAP will celebrate the support that victims receive from our Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) and emergency room staff across our eight service counties. Their dedication to protecting and serving our communities is vital to our mission, and we show our gratitude for their commitment to victims by supplying them with baked goods throughout April.
Book Displays at Local Libraries
In collaboration with local libraries, we are launching SAAM book displays at libraries throughout our service region. These displays feature literature that addresses and represents sexual assault and that offer insights and resources to those who may be experiencing or have experienced sexual assault. This initiative is a crucial part of our efforts to educate the public and create a culture of understanding and support.
Participating libraries include: Tipton Public Library, West Branch Public Library, Burlington Public Library, Yohe Memorial Library, Karre Memorial Library, Mount Pleasant Public Library, Iowa City Public Library, Solon Public Library, North Liberty Library, Coralville Public Library, Springmier Community Library, and Kalona Public Library.
SAAM is a reminder that sexual assault is a critical issue that affects individuals and families in every community. Your involvement—whether through volunteering, donating, or using this month to raise awareness in your own way—makes a huge difference in the lives of victim-survivors. We invite you to stand with DVIP & RVAP this April and beyond as we work together to create safer, more supportive communities in southern Iowa.
