Each April, the staff and advocates at The Center for Women and Families recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time to draw attention to the harrowing statistics of sexual violence and share critical prevention strategies.
More than 430,000 people ages 12 or older experience rape or sexual assault each year in the United States, with ages 12-34 at the highest risk.
We are committed to giving survivors a voice and space to tell their stories, shining light on the facts, sharing ways to prevent acts of sexual violence, and continuing to offer free, confidential services when survivors need both immediate and longer-term support, such as through court advocacy, filing an emergency protective order, or accessing therapy.
This month, we hope you’ll join us in supporting survivors and raising awareness through the following ways:
- Share resources—including specific information for teens and the LGBTQ+ community—to educate yourself and others about sexual violence.
- Learn how to be an #EverydayAdvocate and act as a Green Dot, a proactive and reactive way to promote safety and communicate intolerance for violence through behaviors, words, and attitudes.
- Contact us to request a presentation or materials about sexual violence for your school, workplace, community organization, or church.
- Attend or volunteer for one of our events:
- April 22: A Celebration of Growth: Uplifting Queer Survivors
- April 28: Painting with Purpose
- Participate in Denim Day on Wednesday, April 27.
- What’s Denim Day? In 1992, an 18-year-old in Italy was raped by her driving instructor, pressed charges, and won her case. The instructor appealed and the Italian High Court overturned the conviction, with a member of the High Court declaring that because the victim wore very tight jeans, the instructor could not have removed them himself; therefore, the victim must have willingly participated. Women of the Italian legislature protested the decision by wearing jeans. As news of the decision spread, so did the protest, and today, organizations around the world coordinate community-wide Denim Days to show support for survivors and raise awareness about sexual crimes.
- Get involved! On April 27, wear your favorite jeans or other denim, post a photo and tag us on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram @thecenteronline with the hashtag #DenimDay. Those who post a picture will be entered in a drawing to win a free coffee each month for a year at Heine Brothers!
