Knowledge is Power. Let's Share It!

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). During the month of April we join with the national effort to educate and engage the community in addressing the prevalence and impact of sexual assault.

EDUCATE: Why does awareness matter?

As awareness increases, the stigma of sexual abuse recedes. As the stigma decreases, adult survivors become empowered to speak their truth. As there is more cultural awareness and understanding, the pathway to healing widens for adults who have been shamed into silence because of actions that were far beyond their control.

Standing with survivors and showing your support helps them know they are not alone and lights the path to healing.

To learn more about why awareness matters, read our blog.

WhAT You Can do to Raise awareness

• Wear a teal awareness ribbon throughout the month to spark conversations letting others know you support survivors. Email Laura at laura@roanokeparkcounseling.org to request a ribbon and we’ll send you a special awareness pin.

• Share our Facebook and Instagram posts.

• Write a supportive message to survivors. Examples include: I believe you; I support you; You are not alone. These encouraging messages will join the display in RPC’s office for survivors to read. You can email your message to laura@roanokeparkcounseling.org.

• Change your profile picture to an awareness image.

• Join the National Day of Action on April 4 - wear teal and post a selfie to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter using #SAAM2023.

When people ask why you're wearing teal, share:

• Every 73 seconds an American is sexually assaulted. And every 9 minutes that person is a child.*
• 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before the age of 18.
• Survivors deserve our support.
• Talking about childhood sexual abuse as a culture helps keep kids safe and supports adult survivors!

*Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey, 2018 (2019)