Written by Emily Yisa, Disability Services Project Coordinator and Educator
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), sometimes referred to as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). SAAM is a campaign held every April to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate our communities about sexual violence prevention strategies. The goal of SAAM is to create a safe and inclusive environment where survivors can be heard and supported, and communities can work together to end sexual violence. This month-long campaign aims to promote a culture of respect and consent and encourages everyone to take action towards preventing sexual assault.
There are several ways individuals can participate in SAAM and show their support for survivors of sexual assault. This includes wearing teal, the official color of SAAM, participating in local events and fundraisers, educating themselves and others about the issue, and volunteering at organizations that support survivors.
The theme of SAAM 2023 is Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity. The focus of the theme is that it will take ending all forms of violence and oppression to end sexual violence and sexual assault.
If you would like to learn more about SAAM and/or discover additional ways to become involved check out the National Sexual Violence Resource Center and the United States Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response.
