Awareness Months & Weeks

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One way that the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign addresses sexual misconduct in all its forms is through targeted educational programming during various national and international awareness campaigns. See below for information about some of the awareness months and weeks observed on our campus.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October)

To increase awareness about abuse which occurs in relationships and its consequences, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign sponsors activities and events throughout October on campus and in the community. Events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month on our campus and in our community are designed as a powerful statement celebrating the strength of battered women and their children. To get involved with Domestic Violence Awareness Month events or submit an event to our calendar, please contact Nora Peterson, Associate Director of the Women's Resources Center, or call (217) 333-3137.

Stalking Awareness Month (January)

To get communities talking about prevention, every January, communities across the country have focused on stalking—holding events, sharing information, and building awareness about the crime. At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, we work to address stalking on campus and provide support and resources for students who are experiencing stalking. Each January, the Women's Resources Center host an awareness campaign, events and workshops on stalking prevention and supporting a friend or loved one who is being stalked. To get involved with Stalking Awareness Month events or submit an event to our calendar, please contact Nora Peterson, Associate Director of the Women's Resources Center, or call (217) 333-3137.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April)

Every April is nationally designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Because sexual assault affects everyone—survivors, family, friends, loved ones—we all have a unique role in challenging sexual assault. This month, take action—attend a rally, workshop, or training—and let's talk about how we can support survivors and help end rape. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, "the goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence." The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the community at large annually plan a host of events to support survivors and encourage bystanders to intervene in what still remains a local, national, and international social problem. To get involved with Sexual Assault Awareness Month events or submit an event to our calendar, contact Nora Peterson, Associate Director of the Women's Resources Center, or call (217) 333-3137.

Anti-Street Harassment Week (March/April)

Catcalls, sexist comments, public masturbation, groping, stalking, and assault: gender-based street harassment makes public places unfriendly and even scary for many girls, women, and LGBQT people. It limits their access to public spaces. Anti-Street Harassment Week, an international movement by Stop Street Harassment is an opportunity to collectively raise awareness that street harassment happens and that it's not okay. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has programmed during this week, which happens in April or late March each year, since 2012. To get involved with Anti-Street Harassment Week events or submit an event to our calendar, contact Nora Peterson, Associate Director of the Women's Resources Center, or call (217) 333-3137.