April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the U.S. This month, the UO and greater Eugene community have planned a handful of events, all to support the cause and raise awareness about the issue.

Women have been organizing protests against sexual assault for decades. After a group of women in England conducted the first Take Back the Night march in the ’70s, the U.S. soon followed suit. By the late ’80s, advocates in the States were fully involved and began pushing for a week dedicated to the issue. There were so many organized events that eventually a month was set aside for the cause. Sexual Assault Awareness Month was first officially observed in the U.S. in April 2001.

Several events are happening this week in Eugene.

In carrying on tradition, the ASUO Women’s Center organizes a UO Take Back The Night event every year. This year’s event is April 24, and will begin with a rally in the EMU amphitheater at 6:30 p.m., and proceed with a march through downtown Eugene.

In addition, several fundraisers this month will benefit Sexual Assault Support Services of Lane County. Ninkasi Brewing Company will host Pints for a Cause this Thursday, April 3 and 25 percent of all pint sales will help the local nonprofit.

Sweet Life Patisserie is also selling special SAAM cupcakes this Friday through Sunday in a fundraiser where 25 percent of SAAM cupcake sales will benefit SASS.

Theater fans can also support the cause. The Eugene/Springfield community production of the play Vagina Monologues will show at the Wesley Center this Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Ticket proceeds and any donations will benefit SASS. More information about the production is available on the production’s website.

BB Beltran, executive director of SASS, looks forward to the month ahead.

“My goal for April, just like every April, is to really increase public awareness about the issue of sexual violence,” Beltran said. “To learn how to prevent it and create a safer community.”