(Peru)-- Peru State College will host a series of public events during the month of April for national Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

The month-long observance is aimed at raising awareness about sexual violence, prevention, and supporting survivors of sexual assault.

SAAM at Peru State launches Monday, April 3, with the third annual Cats4Consent March and Cover the Cruiser at 7 p.m. starting at the Sesquicentennial Plaza of the Performing Arts Center. Opening remarks will be presented by President Michael Evans and others. Following the march is the opening reception of “What were you wearing?” Survivor Exhibit at 7:45 p.m. in AV Larson Art Gallery.

Peru State will welcome to campus Catharsis Productions from Chicago on Wednesday, April 12, to present two live performances of "Sex Signals" at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center (PAC). This interactive and engaging show aims to dismantle rape myths and illuminate issues surrounding dating, sex, and sexual violence on college campuses.

Catharsis Productions returns to campus Wednesday, April 26, to present “The Hook Up” in two live performances at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the PAC. The presentation continues the pro-consent/intervention dialogue while engaging audiences in discussion exploring the topic of hooking up, sexual violence, and toxic language surrounding sex and gender, while empowering bystanders to recognize and stop predatory behavior.

A Campus Healing Circle will be each Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Jindra Choir Room, facilitated by Jennifer Elting, Project Response Sexual Assault Advocate. Healing Circles are a traditional practice of Indigenous people. This Healing Circle is intended for all campus members impacted by sexual assault, providing an opportunity to process impacts of sexual trauma and release stress through dance movement therapy.

The month-long observance includes the Steamboat Trace Trail 5K Depot Dash at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, in downtown Peru, hosted by the Nemaha County Natural Resources District.

Throughout April, the College will hold Teal Tuesdays, a campus-wide donation drive for Project Response, and provide a SAAM book display in the Library and an information table in the Student Center.

SAAM concludes at Peru State with National Denim Day on April 26.

Peru State College invites everyone to participate in these events and show their support for survivors of sexual assault. For the full schedule of events, visit https://www.peru.edu/SAAM.