Get Healthy Carson City: Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Every April, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center launches Sexual Assault Awareness Month with its “Building Connected Communities” campaign.

This initiative focuses on the importance of creating inclusive, fair, and united communities to combat sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. NSVRC highlights that communities play a vital role in shaping our lives.

Throughout this month-long campaign, NSVRC emphasizes that when someone experiences sexual violence, it affects every member of the community. By striving to enhance the overall well-being of our communities, we also work toward reducing the risk of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment.

NSVRC urges individuals and communities to support survivors of sexual harassment and abuse by wearing teal, the color symbolizing sexual violence prevention, and by sharing their support on social media using #SAAM2024. Wearing teal signals solidarity with survivors and signifies being a safe person to reach out to for support. Chances are someone in your life is a survivor of sexual harassment, assault, or abuse, even if they have never shared their story with you.

The main target of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence, educate communities on prevention strategies, and strengthen ongoing prevention efforts. NSVRC offers free online campaign materials, including resources on building inclusive, fair, and connected communities. Laura Palumbo, communications director at NSVRC states, “Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a chance for each of us to think about the role we can play in preventing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment.”

Through the “Building Connected Communities” campaign, NSVRC aims to highlight how improving living conditions, education, employment, social support, public transportation, and green spaces can contribute to preventing sexual violence. Supporters can also contribute to NSVRCs efforts during Sexual Assault Awareness Month by donating. The goal is to raise $2,500 on the “SAAM Day of Giving,” which falls on April 18. To donate, visit https://resilience.salsalabs.org/donate.

Understanding Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Since 2001, NSVRC has coordinated the national Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign observed every April. This year’s theme is “Building Connected Communities.” To join the campaign, individuals can access free resources at www.nsvrc.org/saam. Resources are also available in Spanish at www.nsvrc.org/es/saam.

For information about services and programs available to you through Carson City Health and Human Services, visit our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org, or give us a call at 775-887-2190. You can also find us at 900 E. Long St., in Carson City, or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/cchhs, X @CCHealthEd, or Instagram @GetHealthCarsonCity.