Date
Tuesday
Apr

April 1-30

National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

Join us in spreading awareness and taking action this National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Let's stand together to end sexual violence.

Yearly Date
April 1
Type
Month
Category
Cause

Introduction

April is not only the start of spring, but also the designated month for raising awareness about sexual assault and promoting prevention. That's right, it's National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month! This month-long campaign was first observed in the United States in 2001, and has since spread to other countries as well. It aims to educate individuals on how they can help prevent sexual violence and support survivors. While the topic may be heavy, this is an important opportunity to come together and make a positive impact in our communities. So let's use this month to show our support and spread awareness about this important issue.

National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month Timeline

2001
National Awareness Month
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) organizes the first National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in the U.S.
2004
Annual Campaign Theme
NSVRC starts incorporating annual themes to gather and focus efforts based on specific areas of sexual violence prevention.
2007
Teal Ribbon Symbol
NSVRC introduces the teal ribbon as the symbol for sexual assault awareness and prevention.
2009
First Presidential Proclamation
President Barack Obama provides the first presidential proclamation declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
2013
Launch of Sexual Assault Kit Initiative
U.S. Department of Justice launches the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative to address unsubmitted sexual assault kits in law enforcement custody.
2015
It's On Us Campaign
The White House launches "It's On Us" campaign focusing on bystander intervention and preventing sexual assault on college campuses.

How to Celebrate National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

1

Educate yourself and others

Take the time to learn about sexual assault and how to prevent it. Share your knowledge with others and start important conversations about this issue.

2

Attend a survivor support event

Support survivors of sexual assault by attending a local event or fundraiser. This can help raise awareness and show your support for those who have been affected by this issue.

3

Volunteer at a rape crisis center

Make a difference in your community by volunteering at a rape crisis center. You can provide support and resources to survivors and help spread awareness about sexual assault prevention.

4

Organize a self-defense workshop

Empower others by organizing a self-defense workshop in your community. This can teach important skills and techniques for staying safe and preventing sexual assault.

5

Donate to a sexual assault prevention organization

Support the work of organizations dedicated to preventing sexual assault by making a donation. Every contribution helps make a difference in the fight against this issue.

Why National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month is Important

A

It raises awareness for a pressing issue

National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month serves as an important reminder for everyone to be aware of and educated about sexual violence. By recognizing the prevalence of this issue, we can work towards finding solutions to prevent it from happening.

B

It provides support for survivors

This month gives survivors of sexual assault a platform to speak out and receive support from those in their community. It also helps raise funds for organizations that provide resources and services for survivors.

C

It promotes consent culture

Through various events and initiatives during this month, National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month encourages conversations about consent and healthy boundaries. This helps promote a culture where consent is valued and respected in all relationships - romantic, platonic, and professional.

National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Mar 31
Friday
2024
Mar 31
Sunday
2025
Mar 31
Monday
2026
Mar 31
Tuesday
2027
Mar 31
Wednesday