Updated: April 1, 2022
April 2022 marks the official 21st anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month — but did you know we can trace its history even longer?
Even before its official declaration, SAAM was about both awareness and prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. Looking at the history of the movement to end sexual violence, it’s clear why: It’s impossible to prevent an issue no one knows about, and it’s difficult to make people aware of a problem without providing a solution. The two work in tandem, and they always have. From the civil rights movement to the founding of the first rape crisis centers to national legislation and beyond, the roots of SAAM run deep.
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline:
24 hours a day, 7 Days a Week (800) 656-HOPE (800-656-4673)
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) (Bilingual English and Spanish)
Rape & Sexual Assault Laws in New York State – (RAINN)
Know the Laws in Your State – (RAINN)
Safety Prevention – (RAINN)
Talking to Your Kids About Sexual Assault – (RAINN)
How Can I Protect My Child from Sexual Assault? – (RAINN)
If you Suspect A Child is Being Harmed – (RAINN)
Safety for Parents – (RAINN)
Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse – (RAINN)
Reporting to Law Enforcement – (RAINN)
Preventing Sexual Violence – Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
Risk & Protective Factors – Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
Sexual Violence Prevention Program – NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH)
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response – U. S. Department of Defense
What to Do If You Believe You Have Been Harassed at Work – U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Sexual Harassment in Housing Environment – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Sexual Harassment in Relationships – U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Office on Women’s Health
Getting a Restraining Order – U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Office on Women’s Health
Self-Defense FAQ – National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence
Help for Sexual Violence or Harassment – Time’s UP
What it really takes to stop sexual harassment – American Psychological Association
Studies found that “sexual harassment is linked to increased likelihood of sexual assault” and “telling sexist jokes was associated with self-reported rape proclivity and blaming of victims.”
KIDS & TEENS:
National Dating Abuse Hotline – (loveisrespect.org)
Teen Helpline – Call 866-331-9474 or 800-787-3224 (TTY)
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Text: LOVEIS to 22522
Live Chat
Sexual Harassment and Sexual Bullying for Teens – KidsHealth
What Kids & Teens Can Do About Sexual Harassment & Assault – STOMP Out Bullying
Sexual Violence in Schools – The National Education Association
Erin’s Law – New York State Education Department
“In August 2019, New York State became the 37th state to sign Erin’s Law into legislation. New York State’s law, (Chapter 187 of the Laws of 2019) – known as Erin’s Law – requires public schools to teach child sexual abuse and exploitation prevention classes to students in kindergarten through eighth grade.”