Join Us as We Say No More to Sexual Assault this April

April 1, 2014

April 1, 2014 – The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) recognizes the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

All too often, victims of domestic violence, teen dating abuse, and stalking are also victims of rape and sexual assault. Unbelievably, one sexual assault occurs every two minutes. Think about that – in about the time that it takes you to read this post, another victim will be sexually assaulted.

Incredibly, the rate of sexual assault in this country has actually decreased by more than 50 percent since 1993 – thanks in large part to the efforts of those in the violence against women movement who have worked tirelessly to end violence, raise awareness, and advocate for better laws.

While the gains have been impressive, our work is far from over.

This April’s SAAM campaign encourages us all to talk about sexual violence prevention. The campaign focuses on the promotion of healthy sexuality amongst young people.

Learn more and get involved:

• Download healthy adolescent sexual development resources (in English & Spanish), including best practices, strategies, and tips for talking about healthy sexuality with young people.
• Plan an event or campaign in your community, using campaign materials from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC).
• Stand in solidarity with all survivors and wear jeans on April 23, 2014 for Denim Day USA. This campaign was created in response to an Italian Supreme Court decision where a rape conviction was overturned because the victim was wearing tight jeans.
• On April 27, veg out and watch a special 16-hour “NO MORE silence” Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) marathon on the USA Network. This marathon will be hosted by the SVU cast and include PSAs and other ways to get involved.