April is Sexual Assault Action Month!
The purpose of CSAW’s annual Sexual Assault Action Month (SAAM) campaign is to increase the Northwestern community's understanding of the roots and impacts of sexual assault, to motivate all community members to contribute to prevention and survivor support efforts, and to foster connection and healing for sexual assault survivors. It's important for us to remain involved in prevention and to support survivors year-round, but April provides a dedicated time for us to center these important issues.
For more information on the history of SAAM, you can check out the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) here.
The 2026 theme for Sexual Assault Action Month is Heal Out Loud. This April, CSAW's Sexual Assault Action Month programming will focus on co-creating spaces where all people impacted by sexual harm can creatively express themselves, take ownership of their stories, and show up authentically as they heal.
2026 Heal Out Loud Events
Clothesline Project Art Making Space
Gather with CSAW to share a message of healing, resilience, and hope for survivors of interpersonal violence. T-shirts and art supplies for decoration will be provided.
Thu, April 2 | 4:30 PM | Gender and Sexuality Resource Center
Strategic Storytelling: Nonfiction & Narrative | RSVP
For many survivors of interpersonal violence, telling their story can be a crucial part of the healing journey. Being honest and vulnerable in nonfiction writing can be a powerful experience, but it can present its own set of challenges, especially if that writing is shared with the world. This workshop will explore the many avenues that survivors may choose to explore their experiences through narrative nonfiction writing, offer prompts for reflection and self-compassion when sharing stories of harm, discuss how survivors can maintain their safety and well-being when sharing their stories, and hold space for free writing.
Tuesday, April 7 | 7:00pm | Women’s Center
Searle Open House with CAPS: Celebrate Self-Love & Community
Join CSAW & CAPS for a fun, lowkey open house event in Searle. Stop by for art making, to connect with providers and staff from CAPS and CSAW and learn all about our services. There might be a therapy dog.
Wednesday, April 8th| 11:00am | Searle
Masculinity & Survivorship: Unpacking the Myths & Realities | RSVP
Sexual violence impacts people of all genders, yet masculine survivors often face a specific set of stigma, silence, and misunderstanding. Approximately 1 in 6 men will experience sexual violence in their lifetime, and many more male and masculine‑identifying individuals struggle to seek support due to societal expectations around masculinity.
This session will work to challenge stereotypes, raise awareness, and build community understanding. Participants will learn about the realities of survivorship for men, male, and masculine survivors—while exploring ways to foster empathy, reduce stigma, and promote healing‑centered support for all.
Thursday April 9th | 6:30pm-8pm | Forum Room Main Library
The Clothesline Project is an interactive exhibit of messages of resilience, healing, and hope for individuals and communities impacted by interpersonal violence and abuse. These messages are shared on t-shirts, which visually represent the statistics of those impacted by violence. College campuses, crisis centers, and community organizations throughout the U.S. and around the world have hosted Clothesline Project events since the 1990s to acknowledge the magnitude of the impacts of interpersonal violence.
Monday, April 20th to Friday, April 25th | All Day| Shake Smart Lounge
The Power of the Pen: Fiction Workshop | RSVP
Writing fiction can provide an avenue to process and heal for many survivors of interpersonal violence. Incorporating themes and histories of harm into fictional narratives is a form of creativity and expression that may allow survivors to grow more resilient and access pathways to healing. This workshop will explore the ways survivors can use fiction writing to process their experiences and pursue healing. It will offer insights on how to pull from fact for the purposes of fiction writing and hold space for reflection and free writing.
Tuesday, April 21 | 7:00pm | Women's Center
The Clothesline Project Community Resource Fair
During CSAW’s Clothesline Project display, join community partners from various Chicago organizations that provide services and support to survivors of interpersonal violence, including sexual violence, relationship violence, and stalking.
Thursday, April 23 | 1:00pm | Dittmar Gallery
Party & Play: Consent & Chemsex
Chemsex is a term that describes the practice of using substances to enhance sexual activity. Many people participate in chemsex: a glass of wine before an evening with a partner; a blunt before hopping in bed; playtime after partying the night away. However, substances such as alcohol or cannabis can impact a person’s decision making, behavior, and mental state. In this workshop, participants will learn about ways college students engage in chemsex, practice negotiating consent and safer sex practices when substances are involved, and learn about harm reduction resources available to them on campus.
Monday, April 27 | 6:00pm | Willard Great Room
Reclaim Your Canvas & Heal Out Loud: An art exhibit and open mic event
Join CSAW for an art exhibition and open mic event to close out Sexual Assault Action Month. This event will feature visual and written artwork from survivors, as well as a opportunity for survivors to share their stories. All are welcome to attend.
Thursday, April 30 | 6:00pm| TGS Lounge