Updated: April 1, 2025
April 2025 marks the official 24th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month — but did you know we can trace its history even longer? – National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
History of Sexual Assault Awareness Month – “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.”
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) 2025 Theme: – The theme “Together We Act, United We Change” highlights the importance of working together to address and prevent sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. This campaign focuses on enhancing public understanding of sexual violence, amplifying the voices of survivors, and empowering us to work together to promote the safety and well-being of others. Everyone in our communities deserves to live in safe and supportive environments where they are treated with respect. When our workplaces, schools and communities work together to uphold safety and respect, we make progress in preventing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment.
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) (Bilingual English and Spanish)
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month 2025: Take Back Our Tech
Deepfakes, revenge porn, sextortion–no matter what you call it, tech-enabled sexual abuse is sexual abuse and should be a crime in every state. It’s time to take back our tech. Tech-enabled sexual abuse is a violation of your rights, dignity, and safety. It robs individuals of control over their image, voice, and personal boundaries. When explicit content is created or shared without the subject’s legal consent, it is not pornography; it is sexual violence. Together, we can demand action from ourselves, our communities, and our lawmakers. Together, we can fight tech-enabled sexual abuse and build a safer world for everyone.
On RAINN Day, April 8, 2025, join RAINN in a moment of strength. While survivor advocates join RAINN in Washington, DC to urge lawmakers to pass policies to provide protection and justice, you can share on social media the graphics and other resources on the campaign page at rainn.org/saapm-2025 or have a conversation with someone and share the facts and the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline 800.656.HOPE.
National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline:
24 hours a day, 7 Days a Week (800) 656-HOPE (800-656-4673)
Rape & Sexual Assault Laws in New York State
Know the Laws in Your State
Safety Prevention
Talking to Your Kids About Sexual Assault
How Can I Protect My Child from Sexual Assault?
If you Suspect A Child is Being Harmed
Safety for Parents
Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse
Reporting to Law Enforcement
Show Your Support on Denim Day April 30, the national day of awareness that encourages participants to wear denim as a protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual violence and as a symbol of believing survivors and asserting that consent has nothing to do with your clothing. – History of Denim Day
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
Sexual Violence Facts & Prevention
National Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence Survey
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)
Domestic and Sexual Violence Fact Sheet – National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence
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.”
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Office on Women’s Health
Sexual Harassment in Relationships
Getting a Restraining Order
Center for the Women of New York (CWNY)’s list of resources:
Domestic Violence Awareness
Intimate Partner Violence Awareness
Stalking Awareness
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
Abuser / Batterer Intervention
CWNY’s YouTube playlist on “Safety, Abuse, Violence, and Trafficking Awareness”
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.”