UKPD SVU, VIP Center host sexual violence awareness and prevention programming this April
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 25, 2026) — Throughout the month of April, University of Kentucky’s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Center — housed in the Office for Student Success — and UK Police Department’s Special Victims Unit (SVU), along with other campus and community partners, will host a variety of events meant to educate, engage the community and show support for survivors.
Nationally, nearly 1 in 2 women and more than 1 in 6 men have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetimes. Among college students, female students ages 18-24 are three times more likely than women in general to experience sexual violence, and male college students are 78% more likely than nonstudents, of the same age, to be a victim of sexual assault.
As a community, we interact with survivors on a daily basis. Whether we know a survivor personally or not, we can all do our part to educate ourselves on available resources, engage in evidence-based violence prevention strategies and show up to support survivors in our daily lives.
On campus, survivors can access free and confidential advocacy and support at the VIP Center, which serves UK students, faculty and staff. Community members not affiliated with UK can contact the Sexual Violence Resource Center of the Bluegrass for 24/7 support at 859-253-2511.
If someone has been impacted by sexual violence on UK property, they can contact UKPD at 859-257-UKPD (8573) or through the SafeZone app. UKPD has its own Special Victims Unit, staffed with a civilian advocate and trauma-informed investigators to provide compassionate and timely support.
Learn more and get involved at these upcoming free events on campus throughout the month of April.
Advocacy In Action Resource Fair: April Kickoff
When and where: Noon-2 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at Alumni Commons
The VIP Center and UKPD SVU will host the 4th annual Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Resource Fair. The UK community is invited to come out, enjoy snacks and refreshments, listen to music, and snap a photo with Wildcat.
There will be opportunities to learn about the on-campus and Lexington community agencies that serve survivors and how we can all play a role in the prevention of sexual violence to shape a safer campus and community.
Students can also learn about volunteer, internship and future employment opportunities with our partners to inspire the next generation of trauma-informed advocates, prosecutors, law enforcement, case managers and clinicians.
Green Dot Workshop: Build your Terrarium & Build a Safe Campus
When and where: 5-7 p.m. Monday, April 6, at Holmes Hall classroom
The VIP Center and UKPD SVU, along with Residence Life and Creative Arts Living Learning Program, will host a Green Dot Bystander Workshop for students who want to learn how to intervene safely before violence occurs.
Find Your Green Dot while building your own terrarium to take home. All supplies will be provided along with snacks and drinks.
Students: Register online for this Green Dot Workshop.
Green Dot Workshop: UK Faculty and Staff
When and where: Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at UKPD Headquarters, 152 Transcript Ave., Training Room 140
Join the VIP Center and UKPD SVU for a Green Dot training just for faculty and staff. Participants will learn how to identify concerning situations, intervene safely in ways that fit their role and connect individuals to appropriate resources.
The workshop includes tailored examples relevant to campus professionals, along with guidance on creating proactive “Green Dot” norms in classrooms, offices and student-facing spaces.
Faculty and Staff: Register online for this Green Dot Workshop here.
Green Dot Workshop: UK Faculty & Staff (virtual)
When and where: Noon-1 p.m. Thursday, April 16, via Zoom (email Fadyia.Lowe@uky.edu to RSVP)
If you cannot make the in-person Green Dot workshop for faculty and staff, consider joining UKPD SVU and the VIP Center for a virtual workshop the following day. The workshop will review the same materials.
Wake Up Lex
When and where: 9-11 a.m Friday, April 17, at GSC Bookstore, Starbucks Atrium
Wake Up Lex is a citywide collaboration to raise awareness of sexual violence. Stop by to enjoy free coffee and pastries, then take the pledge to play your part in ending sexual violence and snap a photo for social media using the hashtag #WakeUpLex.
International Denim Day
When and where: 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at Gatton Student Center social staircase
International Denim Day is April 29. Show your solidarity and stand with survivors by wearing denim and posting a photo of yourself on social media with the hashtag #DenimDay. The VIP Center and UKPD SVU will be tabling at the Gatton Student Center social staircase, offering free Denim Day buttons, “Decorate your Denim” postcards and a photo booth. Get your picture taken for social media and receive a free Polaroid printout.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.