Throughout the year, the Center for Prevention and Education (CPE) offers multiple programs and events to engage our community members around the following topics: consent education, healthy relationships, bystander intervention, gender-based violence, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and more. Please visit our signature program webpage to learn about annual and past events.
We collaborate with many partners on and off campus. If you are interested in partnering or collaborating with us, please email us at prevention@umw.edu.
Upcoming for 2024-2025
Golf Cart Trivia
Monday, September 9 | Morning Time | Around Campus
Enjoy a golf cart ride to your location with an opportunity to win prizes by answering questions about Title IX and resources. Sponsored by the Center for Prevention and Education and University Police.
Past Events:
April is Sexual Assault
Awareness Month
SAAM Tabling
Monday, April 1 | 11-2 PM | Campus Walk
Join us in raising awareness about sexual violence and supporting survivors. The 2024 campaign theme, Building Connected Communities, creates a sense of belonging and reminds us of how our beliefs, choices, and actions impact one another. Also, learn about upcoming events and UMW’s 2024 Student Survey on Sexual Harassment & Gender-Based Violence.
Day of Action
Tuesday, April 2 | 11 AM-2 PM | HCC 216
The first Tuesday of every April is the SAAM Day of Action. Chances are someone in your life is a survivor of sexual harassment, assault, or abuse, even if they have never shared their story with you. Show your support for survivors of sexual harassment and abuse by wearing teal — the color of sexual violence prevention. Post on social media using #SAAM2024.
My Voice Has Power: Bystander Intervention
Thursday, April 4 | 5:00 – 6:30 PM | CRUC Capital Room, 314
StepUp! is a prosocial behavior and bystander intervention workshop that teaches community members how to be someone who steps up and helps others.
Stalking & Sexual Violence: Understanding the Intersections/Webinar with SPARC
Tuesday, April 9 | 2 – 4 PM | Webinar in HCC 111
Sexual violence and stalking are both prevalent, commonly misunderstood, and severely underreported victimizations. In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this webinar explores the intersection of stalking and sexual violence, focusing on similarities, co-occurrence, and strategies to support victims and survivors.
Take Back the Night
Thursday, April 11 | 6:30 PM | Lee Hall Patio (Rain Location Lee Hall 411)
Join survivors, advocates, and allies for an evening of empowerment and healing as we TAKE BACK THE NIGHT and unite against sexual violence. http://tinyurl.com/TBTN2024. Sponsored by the Talley Center for Counseling Services in collaboration with the Center for Prevention and Education, Doctors Without Borders, Empowerhouse, Infinite Counseling and Wellness, Mazedaar Authentic Indian Cuisine, PRISM, RCASA, Safe Harbor Behavioral Care, Safe Zone, Symfonics, and The One Note Stand.
Heads Up Game with CPE
Monday, April 15 | 12 – 2 PM | CRUC 2nd Floor Living Room
Snack Chat with RCASA
Monday, April 15 | 3 – 4:30 PM | HCC 216
Drop in for a snack and a chat with our local partners and experts. Learn more about their organizations and how they support the greater Fredericksburg Community, or ask a question relevant to their organization.
Snack Chat with Legal Aid
Monday, April 22 | 3 – 4:30 PM | HCC 216
Drop in for a snack and a chat with our local partners and experts. Learn more about their organizations and how they support the greater Fredericksburg Community, or ask a question relevant to their organization.
Denim Day
Wednesday, April 24| 11 AM-2 PM | 2nd Floor, CRUC
Make a social statement with your fashion statement by wearing denim. Stop by to pick up buttons and write an empowering message to survivors of sexual violence. Meet for a campus picture at 12pm on the steps of the University Center, inside on the 2nd floor.
Grounding Stones at Unwind
Monday, April 29 – Friday, May 1 | 10 – 1:00 PM | CRUC Living Room
Create your own Grounding Stones for RCASA.
October is Domestic
Violence Awareness Month
Kick-Off DV Awareness Month
October 2 | 11 am – 2 pm | University Center 2nd Floor
Quick Tips: Talking to A Survivor
October 10 | 5 pm | HCC 210
Knowing how to support a friend who has experienced trauma can be tough. Join RCASA (Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault) to learn some quick tips for talking with and supporting survivors of sexual violence.
Clothesline Project
October 12 | 11-3 pm | Alvey Green Space, across from the HCC
A visual display of sexual violence that often go ignored. Each shirt is made by a survivor of violence or by someone who has lost a loved one to violence. The color of each shirt represents a different type of violence.
Eagles Pledge Purple
October 24 | 11 -2 pm | Campus Walk [Rain Location: University Center, 2nd Floor]
The Center for Prevention and Education (CPE) and Empowerhouse (local domestic violence agency) will table with resources, swag, volunteer opportunities, etc. Everyone is encouraged to wear purple. Purple is the national color for Domestic Violence Awareness. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about domestic violence and an easy way for people to show their commitment to promoting healthy relationships.
Purple Desserts
October 24 | All Day | Desserts at the Top of the CRUC
My Costume Is Not Consent
October 31 | 11 am-2 pm | Campus Walk [Rain Location: University Center, 2nd Floor]
Halloween is upon us! But costumes don’t equal consent. Stop by to grab candy, Halloween swag, and messaging around consent from the Center for Prevention and Education (CPE). The Student Health Center (SCH) and Mary Washington Health Care (MWHC) will also provide information and swag about sexual health.
February is Teen Dating
Violence Awareness Month
Let’s Get Consensual
February 13, 2023 | 11 AM-12 PM | 2nd Floor Lobby, Cedric Rucker University Center
Join us for some pre-Valentine’s Day tabling with the Student Health Center. We will have Valentine’s Day cards to share with your boo-thing and friends. Also, candy, resources, tips (consent and sexual health), etc.
Couplets
February 14, 2023 | 1 PM-2 PM | Colonnade Room, Cedric Rucker University Center room 315
These eight, lighthearted, and humorous videos can unleash deep conversations about the difference between healthy and unhealthy behaviors in both friendships and dating relationships. One lucky student will win Vocelli’s for two!
Escalation Workshop
February 15, 2023 | 5 PM-6:30 PM | Digital Auditorium, HCC
A film-based workshop that examines the warning signs of relationship abuse. Content Warning: The compelling film authentically depicts escalating unhealthy behaviors to help individuals recognize and understand the early signs of relationship abuse. Advocates from Empowerhouse and RCASA will be present if support is requested. Light refreshments will be served. If you have additional questions, please contact prevention@umw.edu.
Self-Love and Well-Being Tabling by the Talley Center for Counseling Services
February 16, 2023 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM | 2nd Floor Lobby, Cedric Rucker University Center
Self-Love and Well-Being will focus on emotional well-being and ways individuals can improve on their self-care during challenging times. The Center for Prevention and Education will also provide snacks and affirmation jars.
Valentine’s Day Weekend Pre-Game
February 17, 2023 | 12 PM-4 PM | The Underground, Lee Hall
Do you need to relax a little before the weekend? Stop by for themed mocktails, treats, music, and coloring. We will have a prize for the best coloring sheet.