Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), observed each April, is dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence, supporting survivors, and promoting prevention through education and community action. Sexual assault can affect individuals of all ages, genders, races, and backgrounds, and its impact can be physical, emotional, psychological, and long-lasting.

SAAM helps break the silence and stigma that often surround sexual violence. Many survivors never report their experiences due to fear, shame, or concern that they will not be believed. By increasing awareness and encouraging open conversations, communities can create safer, more supportive environments where survivors feel heard, respected, and empowered to seek help.

This month also provides an opportunity to educate the public about consent, healthy relationships, bystander intervention, and the importance of prevention. Through community outreach, awareness campaigns, educational programs, and advocacy efforts, organizations and supporters work together to challenge harmful attitudes and promote a culture of respect and accountability.

VIP honors SAAM in several different ways! Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages to learn more about what’s happening this year!

Events like Take Back the Night, and awareness campaigns such as SAAM help survivors know that others—too many others—have been in the same situation. There is strength in numbers. There is power in hearing others’ stories, commiserating, grieving as a collective.

 “Healing Together” also means analyzing the way people in our society interact with each other and the systems they use to do so, and making necessary changes toward support and inclusion. Health systems, social systems, educational systems, all these and more can benefit from reflecting on how they help survivors and work against sexual assault. And we’ll be there to hold up that mirror.