April is National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM)—a time dedicated to raising public awareness about sexual violence, educating communities on prevention, and supporting survivors on their healing journeys.
Why It Matters
Sexual violence is a pervasive issue that affects millions of people across all demographics, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, or socioeconomic status.
The statistics are sobering:
- 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in the United States have experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime (CDC, 2022).
- Over 50% of female rape victims report being raped by an intimate partner.
- 1 in 9 girls and 1 in 53 boys under the age of 18 experience sexual abuse or assault at the hands of an adult (RAINN).
- Every 68 seconds, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.
These numbers are not just statistics—they represent real people, many of whom carry lifelong physical, emotional, and psychological scars.
Prevention Starts with Education and Action
Ending sexual violence requires a collective effort. While the issue may feel overwhelming, everyone can play a part in creating safer communities. Here are some meaningful ways individuals and organizations can engage in prevention and awareness efforts this April:
1. Wear Teal
Teal is the official color of SAAPM. Wearing teal clothing, ribbons, or pins can spark conversations and show solidarity with survivors.
2. Host a Consent Workshop
Understanding and teaching consent is critical. Consider organizing workshops or webinars at schools, workplaces, or community centers to educate others on boundaries, respect, and healthy relationships.
3. Share Resources and Stories
Use social media platforms to share survivor stories (with consent), infographics, helpline numbers, and prevention messages. Hashtags like #SAAPM, #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth, and #IAsk (a campaign by the NSVRC) help raise visibility.
4. Support Local Advocacy Organizations
Volunteer your time, donate, or partner with local rape crisis centers, shelters, or advocacy groups. These organizations often need assistance in outreach, fundraising, or supporting survivors.
5. Engage Youth
Schools and youth groups can be powerful spaces for change. Facilitate age-appropriate conversations about respect, empathy, bystander intervention, and digital safety.
6. Host a Denim Day Event
Observed on the last Wednesday in April, Denim Day is a symbol of protest against victim-blaming. Encourage colleagues or classmates to wear denim and learn the story behind this important day of advocacy.
7. Train Staff and Leaders
Workplaces and institutions can develop trauma-informed policies and ensure staff are trained to respond appropriately to disclosures of sexual violence.
Together, We Can Be the Change
Sexual assault is not just a personal issue—it’s a public health issue, a human rights issue, and a societal issue. Healing is possible, and prevention is achievable when we work together to challenge the norms, systems, and behaviors that allow violence to persist.
As a trauma-informed speaker, certified coach, and advocate, I offer workshops, keynotes, and coaching sessions to help individuals, teams, and organizations create safe, informed, and empathetic environments. Whether you’re looking to:
- Educate your team on trauma-informed leadership,
- Support survivors through individualized coaching, or
- Empower your community with faith-based resilience training,
I’m here to help you take the next step in prevention, healing, and transformation.
Let’s move beyond awareness—let’s act.
📩 Interested in booking a speaking engagement or coaching session?
Visit www.sandraholdorf.com or email me directly at Sandra@sandraholdorf.com to start the conversation.