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Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)

April 08, 2024

DENIM DAY

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a time to draw attention to the prevalence of sexual assault and educate individuals and communities about how to prevent it. Join the global movement, wear jeans on purpose with a
purpose with millions of individuals on Denim Day and make a social statement with your fashion statement. Support survivors and educate yourself and others.

Sexual assault awareness Month at a Glance

  • In the United States, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).
  • The goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it.
  • This year, SAAM is celebrating its 17th anniversary with the theme “Embrace Your Voice” to inform individuals on how they can use their words to promote safety, respect, and equality to stop sexual violence before it happens.
  • Individuals can embrace their voices to show their support for survivors, stand up to victim blaming, shut down rape jokes, correct harmful misconceptions, promote everyday consent, and practice healthy communications with children.
  • We know that one month isn’t enough to solve the serious and widespread issue of sexual violence. However, the attention April generates is an opportunity to energize and expand prevention efforts throughout the year. 

What is Sexual Violence?

  • Sexual violence is a broad term and includes: rape, incest, child sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, unwanted sexual contact, sexual harassment, exposure, and voyeurism.
  • Sexual assault is a serious and widespread problem.
    — Nearly 1 in 5 women in the United States have experienced rape or attempted rape some time in their lives, and 1 in 67 American men have experienced rape or attempted rape.1
  • Sexual violence occurs when someone is forced or manipulated into unwanted sexual activity without their consent.
    — Consent means permission for something to happen or agreement to do something.
    — Reasons someone might not consent to sexual activity include fear, age, illness, disability, and/or influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Anyone can experience sexual violence, including children, teens, adults, and seniors.
  • Those who sexually abuse can be acquaintances, family, trusted individuals, or strangers; of these, the first three are  most common.

About Sexual Violence + Prevention

  • The good news is that prevention is possible, and it’s happening.
    — Individuals, communities, and the private sector are already successfully combating the risk of sexual violence through conversations, programs, policies, and research-based tools that promote safety, respect, and equality.
    — By promoting safe behaviors, thoughtful policies, and healthy relationships, we can create safe and equitable communities where every person is treated with respect.
  • We are in a watershed moment.
    — With the country focused on this very important issue, we have an unprecedented opportunity to improve  understanding and change behaviors. The time to rally communities and the broader public is now.