EDUCATE  |  ADVOCATE  | SUPPORT

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). During SAAM we join with the national effort to educate and engage the community in addressing the prevalence and impact of sexual assault. We invite you to join us and make a life-changing difference for everyone.

Why Does Awareness Matter?

As awareness increases, the stigma of sexual abuse recedes.

As the stigma decreases, adult survivors become empowered to speak their truth.

As there is more cultural awareness and understanding, the pathway to healing widens for adults who have been shamed into silence because of actions that were far beyond their control.

Standing with survivors and showing your support helps them know they are not alone and lights the path to healing.

To learn more about why awareness matters and to hear from survivors, read our blog, including "Being Seen."

WEAR TEAL TO RAISE AWARENESS
Wear a teal awareness ribbon or lapel pin throughout the month to spark conversations letting others know you support survivors. Email laura@roanokeparkcounseling.org to request one of our special awareness pins!

When people ask why you're wearing teal, share:

• Every 73 seconds an American is sexually assaulted. And every 9 minutes that person is a child.*
• 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before the age of 18.
• Survivors deserve our support.
• Talking about childhood sexual abuse as a culture helps keep kids safe and supports adult survivors!

Key Dates:

• Day of Action: April 2
• SAAM Day of Giving: Thursday, April 18, 2024
• Denim Day: Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Actions to Take
EDUCATE

• April 2024 marks the 23^rd anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month — but did you know we can trace its history even longer?
• Visit our Learning Center, including Myths & Facts and Data & Statistics.
• Share Facebook and Instagram posts with the hashtag #SAAM2024 to spread information and increase visibility.

 ADVOCATE

• Encourage your WA State Legislators to support funding for crime victim services. Advocacy works — thanks to input from supporters like YOU, a key bill removing the statute of limitations for prosecuting CSA is successfully moving through the state legislature at this time. Not sure who your elected officials are? Visit https://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/.
• Use this proclamation from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) as a clear declaration to join advocates and communities across the country in taking action to prevent sexual violence.
• Take the 30 Days of SAAM Instagram Challenge.
• Follow #SAAM2024 on social media to find events near you!

 SUPPORT

• Write a supportive message to survivors. Examples include: I believe you; I support you; You are not alone. These encouraging messages will join the display in RPC’s office for survivors to read. Follow this link, include a message with your donation, or email laura@roanokeparkcounseling.org.
• Change your social media profile pictures awareness images.
• Join Teal Tuesday, April 2, SAAM’s National Day of Action. Wear teal and post a selfie to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter using #SAAM2024.
• Wear jeans on National Denim Day, April 24: All too often people are blamed for their own assaults because of what they were wearing. Make a statement by wearing jeans as a visible means of protesting misconceptions that surround sexual violence.
• Donate to provide support for healing therapy that changes lives.
• Follow this link for more resources from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

*Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey, 2018 (2019)