Updated: April 1, 2024
April 2024 marks the official 23rd 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): Press Release – The theme of Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2024 is “Building Connected Communities.” The campaign uplifts the role of inclusive, equitable, and connected communities in reducing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. Community is an integral part of all our lives, and the health and well-being of our communities shape our lives. Whenever anyone experiences sexual violence, every community member is affected.
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) (Bilingual English and Spanish)
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month: We’re Here For You
During Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) 2024, RAINN encourages individuals and communities across the country to come together to raise hope, awareness, and your voice by sharing RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE or online at rainn.org; educating yourself and others about the types of sexual violence, the laws in your state, and where to turn if you have been assaulted; and asking leaders and lawmakers to do their part to create a world free from sexual violence.
#RAINNDay, taking place this year on April 9th, 2024, RAINN Day is an annual day of awareness and action about sexual violence around the country during Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. RAINN Day is a day of exponential reach when every RAINN friend, follower, and fan is asked to share the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE or online at rainn.org. This year, you can join them and elevate the conversation online by using the hashtags #SAAPM, #RAINNDay, #ActWithRAINN, and #HereForYou.
#ActWithRAINN Add your voice to the petition and show lawmakers how Americans stand with survivors and demand they do more to prevent sexual violence and prioritize justice for victims.
#HereForYou Help spread the word. RAINN is here for you. RAINN is here for someone you love.
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: Denim Day—April 24—is an annual, national day of awareness that encourages participants to wear denim 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)
Preventing Sexual Violence
Risk & Protective Factors
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.”