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30 Days of SAAM

Expert advice from Cristen Kennedy and Being Barnard, which is offering opportunities to participate virtually in raising lifesaving sexual assault awareness throughout April.
 

April 13, 2020

The Barnard community recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) every April by expanding education around consent and bystander intervention. This year, Being Barnard, in collaboration with Columbia’s Sexual Violence Response (SVR), has teamed up with the National Sexual Violence Resource Center for the “30 Days of SAAM Challenge” to provide information on ways to support friends and family while practicing self-care. During this time of social distancing, Being Barnard is available for virtual appointments and is also holding remote SAAM events.

On April 14, SVR at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) will host a craft night to create denim coasters from items found at home. Participants can join via Zoom. Being Barnard and SVR will present the webinar “Expresso Yourself: Navigating Intimacy and Relationships During a Pandemic” on April 16, which will feature a discussion with sex educators Bianca Laureano and Francisco Ramirez. Preregistration (found here) is required for the event.

Finally, the College will continue its annual tradition of observing Denim Day (April 29) by remotely bringing the community together to create a photo collage featuring community members. All Barnard community members are invited to participate: To do so, don some denim, take a photo, and email the image to the Being Barnard office by April 24. Submitted photos will be posted to social media on Denim Day. Alternatively, members can post independently and tag @BeingBarnard by Denim Day on April 29. 

Cristen Kennedy

Because long-term at-home sheltering poses additional risks for domestic violence (DV) survivors, the ability to access life-saving resources has become even more critical. To address these concerns and to raise awareness about sexual assault, Being Barnard’s program coordinator for prevention education Cristen Kennedy shared tips for how everyone can stay safe.

What new challenges are domestic violence survivors or victims facing as a result of social isolation?

Social isolation and shelter-in-place orders can present a number of issues for individuals who are facing sexual or relationship violence, as well as for those who are coping with past trauma. A number of articles have recently come out highlighting the concern for those who may be forced to isolate with an abusive partner or family member. For many, home is not a safe place, whether that be due to sexual, physical, or emotional violence; manipulation; denial of or abuse because of one's sexual orientation or gender identity; lack of access to basic needs; or many other deeply concerning issues. For those who find themselves needing to shelter in place in those environments, there is grave concern for their physical and mental well-being.
 
Additionally, those who are coping with past trauma can find themselves being retraumatized during this time. Being inundated by 24-hour news cycles and social media can be traumatizing all on its own, but it can also reactivate feelings of past trauma for some. During a time of social isolation, when one may be physically removed from their usual sources of community and support, it can be incredibly difficult to navigate the emotional and physical responses that can arise.

Watch the video message from MJ Murphy, executive director of student health and wellness programs, below, for resources and events for SAAM.

How and where can they find community?

While online meeting sites, like Zoom, have become part of our daily lives for classes and work, they can also provide an indispensable connection to family and friends. Setting aside time in your day or week to check in with those in your life who make you feel supported can help you feel less alone. If you don't have access to video conferencing or that form of communication isn't safe for you in your current circumstances, phone calls or texts are a good option. Use what form of communication feels best and safest in order to stay in touch with those who are important to you. 
 
If you are supporting someone in a violent situation or who is navigating trauma, it is incredibly important for you to do your part and reach out as well. Check in with that person, see how they would like to communicate, and in what ways are safe for them if safety is an issue, and let them know what kinds of support you can offer. Likewise, it is important for those who are supporting someone experiencing violence or trauma to seek support themselves, whether that is connecting with supportive and caring friends and family or accessing support services like SVR or the Rosemary Furman Counseling Center.
 
For our Barnard community members, many of our vital campus resources are still available remotely. SVR’s 24/7 helpline can be reached at 212-854-HELP(4357). Furman Counseling is still providing services during regular business hours via telehealth and they can be reached at 212-854-2092. Offices — such as Student Life, Well Woman, and the Dean of Studies Office — are providing many online social activities, advising sessions, and check-ins to keep our community connected remotely.
 
Finally, there are a number of national resources. Love Is Respect and RAINN both provide 24/7 hotlines and online chats that are staffed by incredibly caring and supportive professionals who can be there just to listen or help guide you to additional resources.

How can the Barnard community continue to get help from Being Barnard during this time? 

The Being Barnard office is still providing virtual one-on-one meetings to any student who would like to make an appointment. Appointments are available Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and students can email beingbarnard@barnard.edu to set up an appointment or to do a check in via email. Just as our in office meetings were, these virtual meetings are confidential. We can also help students identify resources in their local area.

We are also active on Instagram, where April's SAAM programming now lives, and are sharing daily posts with information about sexual violence prevention, self-care, and support resources.

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Additional SAAM Resources:

 

FWDW