By Sequoia Sinclair | ContributorApril is nationally recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, or S.A.A.M. Augusta University as well as Augusta’s Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services (RCSAS) have worked together over the years to combat sexual violence in the community.“We as a community are going to take a stand against sexual violence," said Ann Henry, the director of Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services.Two highlighted events in Augusta are the Eighth Annual Take Back the Day 5K Race and the 21st Annual Take Back the Night Rally. The Take Back the Day 5K Race brings awareness into preventing sexual violence and child abuse. Registrations for the race begins on April 15 at 7:30 a.m. and kicks off at 8:45 a.m. Children and pets are welcome.The 21st Annual Take Back the Night Rally begins April 20 at 6 p.m. on the Maxwell Theatre Lawn to bring awareness on the effects of sexual trauma and to show the community that people are standing up to fight against sexual violence together.In explaining why events such as these are important, director Henry stated that Rape Crisis helps to promote attitudes, behaviors, and social conditions that will hopefully reduce sexual violence."It is important to raise awareness about sexual violence to the community," she said. "With events like Take Back the Day and Take Back the Night, we are honoring the survivors and celebrating the healing that has taken place.”Opportunities to combat sexual assaultIn addition to Take Back the Day and Take Back the Night, the RCSAS will host other events throughout the entire month of April.On April 10-12 from 5 to 7 p.m., the banner making for the Clothesline Project begins on campus. The first day will be at University Village, the second day at Elm Hall, and the last day at Oak Hall. People can express their emotions regarding sexual violence in a safe atmosphere and let the community view their testimonies through art on the T-Shirts.On April 13, the Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services will host a safe dialogue panel about how sexual misconduct impacts everyone in the JSAC Coffeehouse.It is important that Jaguars ensure that they are meeting the daily requirements for nutrition. On April 17 after 11 a.m., students must show a flyer or a mention about the RCSAS at Buffalo Wild Wings, where a percent of the proceeds will go toward helping their cause. In addition, the Bee’s Knees will honor the same donation on April 18 from 5 to 10 p.m.“Hunting Ground,” a documentary about sexual assault on college campuses, will be filmed on April 19 at 7:30 in the evening at the D. Douglas Barnard Amphitheatre.Contact Sequoia Sinclair at sesinclair@augusta.edu.