Sexual Assault Awareness
KU Medical Center is offering in-person and virtual programming to provide education about prevention for students, faculty, staff, survivors, and providers.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Register for 2025 Activities and Programming below.
*Please note the content of these events touch on sexual assault or violence which may be traumatizing or triggering for someindividuals. We encourage all attendees to practice self-care and step out or walk away from the programming whenever necessary.
Jayhawk Coffee Break
Tuesday, April 8 | Register for Jayhawk Coffee Break
8:30 am – 9:30 a.m. | SON 1st Floor Walkway
Stop by the SON 1st floor walkway for coffee, conversation, and resources while networking with allies and advocates who stand against sexual assault. Representatives from MOCSA and Rose Brooks will be available. Come and go as you are able.
Bystander Intervention Training
Wednesday, April 9 | Register for Bystander Intervention Training
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. | Virtual
This presentation will review the critical area of understanding what a bystander is, what scenarios qualify for the assistance of a bystander, and the many ways bystanders can provide direct interventions with the goal of protecting people from discrimination and potentially violence. This presentation will also review how bystander training is being utilized in hospitals, schools, and other educational areas.
Survivor Talk: A Conversation with Alexis Smith, Miss Kansas 2024 hosted by Students for Survivors
Thursday, April 24 | Register for Survivor Talk
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | Ad Astra Room, Health Education Building Level 5
Alexis Smith, Miss Kansas 2024 is a dedicated cardiothoracic intensive care nurse and an advocate for domestic violence prevention. Her viral on-stage response at the 2024 Miss Kansas competition catapulted her into the national spotlight, with appearances on Good Morning America, the New York Times, and other media platforms across the country. Her community service initiative, Respect Reclaimed: Advocating for Healthy Relationships, aims to raise awareness about unhealthy and abusive relationships. Through her work, she educates individuals on recognizing the signs of various forms of abuse and emphasizes the importance of practicing health relationship behaviors. Lunch provided for the first 20 in attendance. Co-sponsored by the Students for Survivors, Impact & Belonging, and Student Life.
Self-Defense Seminar
Friday, April 25 | Register for Self-Defense Seminar
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Kirmayer Fitness Center
Learn fundamentals of self-defense in a fun environment exploring techniques and boundary setting to be used in a real-world environment. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle. No prior experience needed. Led by Elizabeth Henderson, Emergency Department & Forensic Nurse at the health system and jiu-jitsu self-defense instructor, and Captain Tyson Kilbey, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt.
Throughout the Month
“What Were You Wearing” Student-Survivor Art Installation
Murphy Hall Lobby
The “What Were You Wearing?” Student-Survivor Art Installation originated at the University of Arkansas in 2013. Created by Jen Brockman and Dr. Mary Wyandt-Hiebert, the project was inspired by Dr. Mary Simmerling’s poem, What I Was Wearing. This display is co-sponsored by the Campus Arts Committee.
"What would you tell a survivor?" Interactive Display
Health Education Building 1st Floor Lobby
This interactive display, hosted by the Students for Survivors student organization, encourages students and passersby to write a meaningful or encouraging message on the board that they would like to share with survivors of sexual violence. For those passing by, this display is intended to be thought-provoking and foster empathy and community for survivors of sexual violence. We highly encourage all to participate and read the messages on the board.
Donation Drive for MOCSA & Rose Brooks
Health Education Building 1st Floor & Murphy Lobby
Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA) exists to improve the lives of those impacted by sexual abuse and assault and to prevent sexual violence in our community. Rose Brooks is a domestic violence emergency shelter in Kansas City with a mission to break the cycle of domestic violence so that individuals and families can live free of abuse. Show your support by bringing donations of needed items to HEB 1st Floor or Murphy Lobby.
Needed items include:
- Toothbrush + toothpaste travel kits (e.g., Dr. Fresh Oral Care Travel Kit)
Moisturizing shampoo, conditioner, & curling products (please consider inclusive moisturizers: Aussie Miracle Curls, Shea Moisture, Cantu Leave-in Conditioner, Cantu Curl Activator, Cantu Natural Hair, etc.) - Lip gloss
- Chapstick
- Shaving razors
- Body wash
- Lotion
- Deodorant
Resources
- KU Medical Center Police Department: 913-588-5030
- Kansas City, KS Police Department: 913-596-3000
- KU Medical Center Title IX Coordinator: 913-588-8011
- Counseling and Educational Support (for students): 913-588-6580
- Employee Assistance Program: 888-275-1205
- MOCSA: 913-642-0233
- Rose Brooks: 816-861-6100
- Kansas City Anti-Violence Project: 816-388-0484
Coffee & Conversation: Uniting for Awareness and Advocacy!
Trauma Informed Care – DVACK; Salina, KS
Bystander Intervention Training
Supporting Survivors
Throughout the Month
“What Were You Wearing” Student-Survivor Art Installation
The “What Were You Wearing?” Student-Survivor Art Installation originated at the University of
Arkansas in 2013. Created by Jen Brockman and Dr. Mary Wyandt-Hiebert, the project was inspired
by Dr. Mary Simmerling’s poem, What I Was Wearing. This exhibit is co-sponsored by the Campus Art
Committee as part of the Murphy Building 100th Anniversary Observance.
Red Flag Campaign
The University of Kansas Medical Center is planting red flags in the HEB Courtyard as part of the Red
Flag Campaign. The Red Flag Campaign is a public awareness campaign designed to address dating
violence and promote the prevention of dating violence on college campuses. When you see a red
flag, say something.
Rose Brooks Donation Drive
Health Education Building 1st Floor
Rose Brooks is a domestic violence emergency shelter in Kansas City with a mission to break the cycle
of domestic violence so that individuals and families can live free of abuse. Show your support by
bringing donations of needed items to HEB 1st Floor.
Needed items include:
- Moisturizing shampoo, conditioner, and curling products (please consider inclusive
moisturizers: Aussie Miracle Curls, Shea Moisture, Cantu Leave-in Conditioner, Cantu Curl
Activator, Cantu Natural Hair, etc.) - Shower gel
- Deodorant
- Satin bonnets
- Hair gel
- Hair oils – coconut oil, rosemary oil (please consider inclusive oils: Mielle Organics)
- Makeup (inclusive tones)
Coffee & Conversation: Get Acquainted with the “What Were You Wearing”
Identify and Respond to Signs of Sexual Assault and Abuse for People with Disabilities
Reproductive Coercion
Supporting Survivors
Ongoing Opportunities
“What Were You Wearing” Student-Survivor Art Installation
Red Flag Campaign
Rose Brooks Donation Drive
- Infant and Baby Toiletries (baby shampoo, wash, lotion, baby wipes, size 4 and up diapers)
- Individually Wrapped Shelf-Stable Snacks (cookies, crackers, chips, fruit snacks, etc.)
- Paper Supplies (to-go boxes, forks, knives, spoons, cups, plates, napkins, and bowls)
Workplace Violence Reporting & Bystander Intervention
Monday, April 11 @ 12:00pm | SON G013 or Zoom
Trauma Informed Response
Friday, April 15 @ 12:00pm | HEB 2112 or Zoom
Situational Awareness
Monday, April 18 @ 12:00pm | HEB 2112 or Zoom
Sexual Assault from a Provider Standpoint
Thursday, April 21 @ 12:00pm | HEB 2112 or Zoom
Art Therapy Session
Friday, April 22 @ 2:45pm | Delp 1101
Screening of "Unbelievable": Episode 1
Monday, April 25 @ 12:00pm | HEB G205 or Zoom
*Please note that if you plan to attend virtually, you will need to watch the episode on Netflix on your own and join the Zoom at 12:50pm for the discussion. Lunch provided for the first 20 in attendance.
Throughout the Month
"What Were You Wearing" Student-Survivor Art Installation
Monday, April 11 through Friday, April 22 | Murphy Lobby
Red Flag Campaign Monday
April 11 through Friday, April 22 | HEB Courtyard
"Go Bag" Donation Drive
"Go bags" will be donated to JayDoc, the student-run free clinic, and will be available for individuals escaping situations of domestic abuse and sexual assault. You may still donate via the Amazon Wish List. Needed items include travel sizes for flashlights, toothbrush & toothpaste, deodorant, tissues, washcloth, body wash/soap, shampoo and conditioner, comb and/or brush, feminine hygiene products and hand sanitizer.
Sexual Assault from a Provider Standpoint
Presented April 12, noon-1 p.m., by Morgan Stebens, Forensics Program Coordinator, The University of Kansas Health System
Responding to Harassment by a Patient
Presented April 13, noon-1 p.m., by Kimberly Templeton, M.D., Professor, Orthopedic Surgery, KU School of Medicine
Trauma Informed Response
Presented April 15, noon-1 p.m., by Tyler Lumpkin, Coordinator of Education and Outreach, Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA)
Through the Lens: Addressing Sexual Assault through the LGBTQIA+ Perspective
Presented April 19, noon-1 p.m., by James Moran, Education Coordinator, Kansas City Anti-Violence Project
Situational Awareness
Presented April 21, noon-1 p.m., by Sgt. Kristi Sisk, Crime Prevention, KU Medical Center Police Department
Through the Reporting and Advocacy Process: A Case Study Panel
Presented April 22, noon-1 p.m., this panel included an introduction from panelists, a scenario walk-through and Q&A.
Panel moderated by Natalie Holick, Chief Compliance Officer, Institution Title IX Coordinator, KU Medical Center
Panelists: Tyler Lumpkins (Coordinator of Education and Outreach, MOCSA), Anna Smith (Rose Brooks), Dorris Wangombe (Program Director, Office of Integrity & Compliance, KU Medical Center), Morgan Stebens (Forensics Program Coordinator, The University of Kansas Health System), Dr. Sherri Theoharidis (Staff Psychologist, Counseling and Educational Support Services, KU Medical Center), Jeff Jacobs (Detective, Kansas City, Kansas Police Department)
Red Flag Campaign
During April, we planted red flags in the HEB Courtyard as part of the Red Flag Campaign. The Red Flag Campaign is a public awareness campaign designed to address dating violence and promote the prevention of dating violence on college campuses. When you see a red flag, say something. Learn more src and statistics from RAINN.
"What Were You Wearing" Student-Survivor Illustrated Gallery
The "What Were You Wearing?" Student-Survivor Art Installation originated at the University of Arkansas in 2013. Created by Jen Brockman and Dr. Mary Wyandt-Hiebert, the project was inspired by Dr. Mary Simmerling's poem, What I Was Wearing. Explore the Virtual Illustrated Exhibit.
Walk a Mile In Her Shoes Event
Hosted by KU's American Medical Women's Association and the Office of Student Life, this annual event gives an opportunity for men and people who identify as male to raise awareness in their community about the serious causes, effects and remediation's to men's sexualized violence against women. During the event, men walk a mile in women's shoes to raise awareness for domestic violence. We understand that men, too, are victims of sexual violence. This event welcomes and encourages participation from everyone who cares about this issue - regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression.