Raising Our Voices: Why Sexual Assault Awareness Month Matters

By: Sheridan Wilson-Grooms

Every April, communities across the world come together to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month, also known as SAAM. This is a time dedicated to heightening one’s awareness about sexual violence, supporting survivors and promoting prevention through education as well as action. The conversation around sexual assault needs to be year round however, SAAM is a vital opportunity for reflection and advocacy. 

Understanding Sexual Assault 

Sexual assault refers to any type of sexual contact or behavior that happens without the explicit consent of the person involved. This can include rape, attempted rape, unwanted touching, sexual coercion, and more. It is important to understand that sexual assault is about power and control rather than desire and it can happen to people of all ages, races, genders and sexual orientations. 

The numbers provide insight to the heightened importance. One in three women and one in six men have experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime. Members of the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups often face even higher rates of assault. An additional fact is that sexual assaults are sometimes committed by someone familiar to the survivor. This could be a partner, friend, classmate, coworker or a family member. These statistics are not just numbers. They represent people. They are everyone’s friends, classmates, coworkers, and loved ones and their stories matter and deserve to be heard. 

The History of SAAM 

The roots of Sexual Assault Awareness Month can be traced back to the civil rights era. During this time, activists began to challenge systems of violence and advocate for the rights and safety of survivors. In the 1970s, women's rights groups organized public protests like Take Back the Night marches to speak out against sexual violence and reclaim the streets. This parallels to the #MeToo movement which goes back to 2006 however, was popularized through media usage and hashtag activism. 

By the 1990s, national attention on sexual violence was growing. In 2001, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center officially established April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Since then, SAAM has served as a platform for national campaigns, community education, and survivor-centered advocacy. 

The Purpose of SAAM 

The goals of SAAM are focused on creating real and lasting change. These include raising awareness about sexual violence and its impact, supporting survivors, promoting prevention through education, and encouraging individuals and communities to take action. Every year,

SAAM adopts a theme that highlights a particular aspect of this work. Previous themes have included messages about consent, online safety, and equity in prevention. 

These themes guide conversations that matter in schools, workplaces, families, and communities. They offer direction for how we can all be part of the solution. 

Consent: The Foundation of Prevention 

One of the most important messages during SAAM is that consent is essential in any and all sexual situations. Consent must be freely given, informed, enthusiastic, specific, and reversible. 

This means that consent is not just about saying yes or no. It is about making a choice without pressure. It is about knowing what you are agreeing to. It must come from genuine excitement, not silence or hesitation. Saying yes to one thing does not mean yes to everything and anyone can change their mind at any time. 

Teaching and practicing consent helps create a culture where everyone’s boundaries are respected and should be reciprocated in all aspects of life. This is one of the most powerful ways to prevent sexual violence. 

Supporting Survivors 

Every survivor’s journey is different and some may or may not speak out. Many survivors never share their story however, every response is validated and no one is obligated to share their experience.What matters is how we respond when someone chooses to share their story. Survivors often face judgment, disbelief, or blame but what they need most is support. A simple statement like “I believe you” or “It is not your fault” can be incredibly powerful. 

We must work to create a culture that centers empathy, respect, and survivor voices. This also means holding institutions such as, colleges and companies, accountable when they fail to protect or support those affected by sexual violence. 

If you or someone you know is in need of support, resources like RAINN, the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network, offer confidential help 24 hours a day through their National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800 656 HOPE. 

How You Can Get Involved 

You do not have to be an expert or a professional to support this cause. Everyone can play a role in ending sexual violence. Here are some ways to get involved during SAAM and beyond:

Learn and share 

Educate yourself about sexual violence, consent, and how to support survivors. Share accurate information with your friends, family, and community. 

Wear teal 

Teal is the official color of SAAM. Wearing teal, especially on the SAAM Day of Action which is the first Tuesday of April, shows your support for survivors and helps raise awareness. 

Support local efforts 

Many communities have events like workshops, marches, or fundraisers during April and you can volunteer, donate, or attend to show your support. 

Speak up 

Challenge harmful comments or jokes that make light of sexual violence. Call out victim blaming when you see it. Encourage conversations about healthy relationships and respect. 

Advocate for change 

Support policies that protect survivors and invest in prevention. This can include supporting sexual education in schools, fair investigations on campuses, and survivor centered services. 

Listen and believe 

If someone shares their experience with you, listen without judgment. Believe them. Offer support and respect their choices. 

A Call to Action 

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is not just a calendar event. It is a reminder that change is both necessary and possible. It asks us to reflect on how we treat others, how we talk about consent and respect, and how we show up for survivors. 

Whether you are a student, a teacher, a parent, a professional, or a friend, you have a voice. Use it to stand up for survivors, to challenge systems that allow harm, and to build a culture where consent and respect are the norm. 

We may not be able to undo the past, but we can shape the future. A future where no one fears being hurt, silenced, or ignored. A future where survivors are met with compassion and justice. A future where prevention is not just possible but powerful. 

Let this month inspire you to act, to care, and to be a part of something larger than yourself. Because sexual violence is not inevitable—and together, we can end it.