Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

Content warning: includes mentions of assault and violence

This year, in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Abby’s House is demonstrating support for survivors of interpersonal violence and sexual assault through a month-long series of events. In previous years, these events stretched out across a span of months. However, Abby’s House is integrating the events alongside a month of observance. 

“The Clothesline Project” was the first event to arrive at Western for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The project consisted of an interactive information table in the Werner University Center, as well as a display of an array of t-shirts across the ceiling. 

The display spotlighted a few very raw and honest confessions of assault, while many other expressions remarked about key elements of consent and self-love, such as: “Nobody is an object” and “You are whole, beautiful, and deserving of love.” The shirts are designed by survivors, allies and their loved ones.

There is a purpose and rationale behind the color and number of the t-shirts, as each color represents a different type of violence and assault. 

In the grand display at Utah Valley University, the following are represented: white for the people who have died due to violence and assault; yellow for survivors of physical assault and domestic abuse; purple for the people attacked because of sexual orientation; red, pink and orange for survivors of rape or childhood sexual abuse; brown and gray for survivors of emotional, spiritual or verbal abuse; and blue and green for survivors of incest or childhood sexual abuse.

“The Clothesline Project” was not the sole new event to arrive at Western for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. On the evening of Apr. 16, Abby’s House hosted an independent event for students identifying as survivors of violence or assault, advocating for self-care and self-love in a time of healing. The event featured guest speaker, Laura Hasbun of Maracuya Botanicals. 

Additionally, “The Bandana Project” — an awareness campaign aimed to address the issue of sexual assault among farmworker women — was one of the projects to be featured for the month. 

On Apr. 18, Abby’s House set up an information table about “The Bandana Project,” including a display of bandanas decorated by students. The display can be found near the North entrance of the Werner University Center.

“Denim Day” — which is occurring on Apr. 26 — was established in Los Angeles in 1990 by Patricia Giggins to observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This day encourages supporters and survivors alike to demonstrate their solidarity by wearing denim with a purpose. 

On Apr. 27, Abby’s House is to host one of the more widely observed events at Western: “Take Back The Night.” This event is an annual rally and speak-out against sexual and domestic violence stretching out in movements across colleges and universities in the country. 

This year, the rally is featuring a speaker and candlelight march, as well as student testimonials. Participants are encouraged to share their voices through readings of poems and healing stories.

For more information on the remaining events for the month, as well as their scheduled times, check out the Abby’s House Instagram at @abbyshouse_wou. 

The observance month may be finite, but Abby’s House always encourages everyone and anyone to advocate for victims of sexual and physical violence and assault. 

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu