Start the Conversation

Our Voices Have Power

April is Sexual Assault Awareness month and the Montclair State University Police Department and the Office for Social Justice and Diversity have partnered again in 2024 for a simple, yet powerful, programs to empower us all to help those that need to have the courage to come forward to report sexual violence – always Start by Believing.

Join the us on Start By Believing Day

Join the University Police and the Office of Social Justice and Diversity on Start By Believing Day, Wednesday, April 3, 1-3 p.m., Student Center, 2nd Floor Lobby and take the pledge in person.

If you or anyone you know reports to you that they have been sexually assaulted – first Start by Believing.  Then, know the campus resources available which include University Police, the University Health Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, the Dean of Students Office, Human Resources Equity and Title IX Coordination, the Office for Social Justice and Diversity among so many others that can help with reporting and most importantly, healing and services. Learn More.

Make your personal commitment to Start by Believing.

• I pledge to Start by Believing if someone tells me about their sexual assault.
• I pledge to support survivors on their road to justice and healing.
• I pledge to end the cycle of silence.

Take the pledge and use the campaign hashtag: #msubelievesyou2024. You can also post your pledge using the hashtags: #msubelievesyou2024 and #startbybelieving.

Denim Day 2024: Mind the Gaps, Move Forward

Denim Day is recognized internationally as a day of action and awareness in which people are encouraged to wear denim to combat victim blaming and educate others about sexual violence.

This year, Denim Day lands on Wednesday, April 24. The Office for Social Justice and Diversity along with over 30 on campus partners and local community organizations will join together from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Amphitheater, to honor survivors of sexual assault and increase awareness about the resources available within our campus community and in the larger community. Despite the “Gaps” that still exist in the criminal justice system, in resources, prevention education etc, we will “Move Forward” as a community with this awareness event and walk 1 mile around campus in solidarity of survivors.

Registration is now open on Engage.  For more information, contact: osjd@montclair.edu.

In addition to these two programs, other offices and orgs around campus are hosting events during the month of April.

Here is a list of the other events:

• Healing Writing Workshop for Students: Thursday, Apri 4, 3-5 p.m., Location provided after registration.

• Write to Heal Fire Pit: Thursday, April 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Student Recreation Center.

• TPT Healing Writing Workshop: for Students: Tuesday, April 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Location provided after registration.
• We Care – Resource Fair and Panel: Thursday, April 18, 12-4 p.m., Student Center, Ballrooms.

• TPT Healing Writing Workshop for Faculty, Staff and Community: Thursday, April 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Location provided after registration.

• Rec Nights- Denim Day Decorating: Tuesday, April 23, 7-9 p.m., Student Recreation Center, Lobby Lounge.
• Sigma Delta Tau Sorority Denim Day – Decorate Your Denim: Wednesday, April 24, 12-4 p.m., Student Center, Quad.

For more information about Start by Believing and other Sexual Assault Awareness Month programs here at Montclair State University please contact Detective Nicolette Aponte, aponten@montclair.edu, Chief of Police Kieran Barrett, barrettk@montclair.edu or Director, Office for Social Justice and Diversity, Adela Caceres, caceresa@montclair.edu.