Sexual Assault Awareness Month

SAAM takes place every January to take action against sexualized violence. Each year, Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response (SVPR) collaborates with the Wellness Centre, the Writing Centre, the Office of TRU Student Life and other campus partners to engage faculty, staff, and students in educational opportunities.

The theme of the 2025 campaign is Acts of Resistance, which aligns with SVPR's belief that "Along every story of violence runs a parallel story of resistance” (Coates & Wade, 2007).

The Power of Resistance

SVPR acknowledges and honours that when people experience violence, stand up against violence, or act as witnesses or support systems, their efforts to survive, thrive, advocate, build community, access support, their efforts to protect their dignity and self-respect are acts of resistance.

The point of resistance is to preserve one’s dignity and spirit and to maximize safety as much as possible, both during and after the assault” (Richardson, 2008, p. 133). Aside from enhancing dignity and safety, recognizing both the violence perpetrated and the resistance enacted in response to that violence gives us the most accurate representation of what happened.

Forms of Resistance

Overt resistance can sometimes put victims at greater risk of more serious violence. Resistance can take many forms, ranging from subtle to overt actions. If a person did not fight back physically, it is not accurate to assume they did not resist. This understanding is crucial in challenging misconceptions and supporting survivors effectively.

SAAM 2025 Events

Throughout January, the TRU community is invited to participate in events designed to help them explore and celebrate their own acts of resistance—to adversity, oppression, injustice or gender-based violence. SVPR will also join the Wellness Centre in celebrating ten incredible years of the Consent Tea on Jan. 29. See below for more information on this month's events.