Friday, April 10, 2026

National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is observed each April to increase public awareness about sexual violence and to promote prevention, education, and support for survivors.

During the month, organizations, schools, and communities host events and share resources focused on understanding consent, supporting survivors, and encouraging safe, respectful environments. It is also a time to highlight available services such as counseling, advocacy, and reporting options, and to encourage conversations that help reduce stigma and increase understanding.

SAAM events in Iowa City

  • SAAM Day of Action
    All day, Monday, April 7
    Teal is the nationally recognized color of sexual assault awareness. Join DVIP & RVAP in wearing teal on April 7 to show support and raise awareness for victims of sexual assault. We encourage you to share your photos on social media using the hashtag #TealTuesday and tag @dvipiowa.
    Location: Various locations / online
    Sponsor: DVIP/RVAP and WRAC
     
  • Shop for Survivors (Regional Counties)
    3:30–6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 8
    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 nine months’ worth of in-kind goods for victim-survivors.
    Location: Des Moines Counties site (Lee, Henry, Washington counties)
    Sponsor: DVIP/RVAP
     
  • Shop for Survivors (Johnson County)
    9 a.m.–2 p.m., Friday, April 18
    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 nine months’ worth of in-kind goods for victim-survivors.
    Location: Johnson County location
    Sponsor: DVIP/RVAP
     
  • Color Run
    10 a.m., Friday, April 18
    In partnership with the Student Nurses Association at SCC Keokuk, join us for a Color Run! A portion of proceeds will benefit DVIP/RVAP. If you register before March 30, you will receive a race day t-shirt. All ages welcome.
    Location: Montrose, Iowa
    Sponsor: Student Nurses Association at SCC Keokuk; DVIP/RVAP
     
  • Safe Space Dance Party
    7–9 p.m., Thursday, April 24
    Join DVIP & RVAP, WOCC, and JCSART for a dance party and karaoke event where you can sing your heart out to tunes that celebrate healthy relationships and model consent.
    Location: Studio 13, Iowa City
    Sponsor: DVIP/RVAP, WOCC, and JCSART
     
  • The Clothesline Project (Burlington)
    1–4 p.m., Monday, April 7
    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.
    Location: TBA
    Sponsor: DVIP/RVAP and WRAC
     
  • The Clothesline Project (Iowa City)
    11 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday, April 28
    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.
    Location: Chauncey Swan Park
    Sponsor: DVIP/RVAP and WRAC
     
  • Take Back the Night
    5–10 p.m., Monday, April 28
    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.
    Location: University of Iowa Pentacrest
    Sponsor: WRAC and DVIP/RVAP
     
  • Wear Denim Day
    All day, Tuesday, April 29
    Join DVIP & RVAP in wearing denim jeans to show support for people affected by sexual assault. We encourage you to share your photos of your Denim Day fit on social media using the hashtag #DVIPRVAPDenim and tag @dvipiowa.
    Location: Various locations / online
    Sponsor: DVIP/RVAP and WRAC
     
  • Walk a Mile in Their Shoes
    5:30–7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 30
    Join Alpha Chi Omega and DVIP/RVAP for an educational rally and march focused on eliminating sexual and domestic violence in our communities.
    Location: Hubbard Park
    Sponsor: Alpha Chi Omega and DVIP/RVAP