April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. At DVIP & RVAP, we are deeply committed to supporting victim/survivors, educating the public, and advocating for systemic change. SAAM allows us to highlight our efforts and work toward creating safer communities.
We have planned several events, activities, and donation opportunities throughout our eight-county service region to support our cause and build awareness of our services.
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.
SAAM Day of Action
Teal is the nationally recognized color of sexual assault awareness. Join DVIP & RVAP in wearing teal on April 7th 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.
Shop for Survivors
Every April, DVIP & RVAP hosts two Shop for Survivors events, one in Johnson County and one in our regional counties. Between the two events, we collect nearly 9 months worth of in-kind goods for victim survivors. Lee, Henry, Washington, and Des Moines Counties: April 8, 3:30-6:30PM. Johnson County: April 18, 9am-2pm
Safe Space Dance Party
Join DVIP & RVAP for a safe space dance party where you can dance your heart out to tunes that celebrate healthy relationships and model consent. The Safe Space Dance Party takes place at Studio 13 (13 S Linn St, Iowa City) on April 24th from 7-9 PM. $5 cover charge goes directly to supporting victim-survivors of sexual violence.
The 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. Attendees are invited to create a shirt to add to the interactive display.
- Keokuk: April 13, 1-4pm, Keokuk Public Library
- Fort Madison: April 21, 1-4pm, Fort Madison Public Library
- Washington: April 23, 11-4pm, Main Street Town Square.
- Iowa City: April 28, 11-4pm, location TBA.
- Other locations TBA.
Take Back the Night
Join WRAC and DVIP & RVAP for an educational rally and march focused on eliminating sexual and domestic violence in our community at the University of Iowa Pentacrest on April 28th, time TBD.
Denim Day
Join DVIP & RVAP in wearing denim jeans on April 29th, 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.
Walk A Mile In Their Shoes
Join Alpha Chi Omega and DVIP/RVAP for an educational rally and march on eliminating sexual and domestic violence in our communities. April 30, Hubbard Park, time TBD.
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. View our Sexual Assault Awareness Through Media post for more information.
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