NSVRC Kicks Off the 17th Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month with “Embrace Your Voice” Theme

Harrisburg, PA, March 29, 2018 -- Building on the powerful voices that have emerged following the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) is proud to launch the start of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in April. This year’s SAAM campaign, “Embrace Your Voice,” continues to push the conversation forward and encourages individuals to speak up and use their voice to promote safety, respect and equality toward ending sexual violence.

NSVRC is calling on individuals and communities to commemorate SAAM and show support for survivors by wearing teal, the symbol of sexual violence prevention and the official color of SAAM, on the April 3rd Day of Action and throughout the month. By wearing teal, supporters can drive further awareness around sexual violence prevention and the importance of consent, respect and supporting survivors.

“All of our voices have power. It’s time for everyone to find that voice and embrace it,” said Karen Baker, Chief Executive Officer at the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. “This April, we reflect on the survivors, silence breakers and supporters who have spoken out during this consequential year, and we invite all voices to join us as we work toward changing the culture across all communities and ending sexual violence once and for all.”

The goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence, educate communities on how to prevent it and bolster prevention efforts throughout the year. In addition to publishing toolkits for individuals and organizations to plan and implement a SAAM campaign in their local communities, NSVRC has recently published several new resources, including tip sheets on: Workplace Sexual Harassment and Bystander Intervention Tips & Strategies.

“We know that one month isn’t enough to solve the serious and widespread issue of sexual violence, but Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a reminder that we can change the culture through the things we say and do each day,” said Laura Palumbo, Communications Director at NSVRC. “It can be as simple as calling out comments that blame victims for being assaulted or make light of sexual violence. Showing your support for survivors by wearing teal throughout April is also one way you can embrace your voice for change.”

ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH

Since 2001, NSVRC has coordinated the national Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign observed every April. This year’s theme is “Embrace Your Voice.” Join the campaign by accessing free resources at nsvrc.org/saam. Resources are available in Spanish at nsvrc.org/es/saam.

ABOUT NSVRC

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) is the leading nonprofit in providing information and tools to prevent and respond to sexual violence. NSVRC translates research and trends into best practices that help individuals, communities and service providers achieve real and lasting change. The center also works with the media to promote informed reporting. Every April, NSVRC leads Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a campaign to educate and engage the public in addressing this widespread issue. NSVRC is also one of the three founding organizations of Raliance, a national, collaborative initiative dedicated to ending sexual violence in one generation.
Attachment:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fbbb5227-4156-4b19-98ad-7334a7623c12

Laura Palumbo
National Sexual Violence Resource Center
877-739-3895, ext. 128
[email protected]