March 27, 2025

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

In April, as we observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), we are reminded that sexual violence does not occur in isolation. It exists within a broader culture of violence.

This SAAM, the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV) joins advocates across the country in recognizing the 2025 campaign theme: “Together We Act, United We Change.” This year’s theme highlights the power of collective action in ending sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. It urges us to deepen public understanding of sexual violence, uplift the voices of survivors—particularly those most impacted—and work together to create safer, more respectful communities.

Together, we act with purpose. United, we have the power to change the world for the better.

Understanding Sexual Abuse, Assault, and Harassment

Sexual violence impacts people of all identities and backgrounds, and it occurs in every community. It includes a wide range of behaviors such as:

  • Rape or sexual assault
  • Sexual harassment
  • Sexual abuse
  • Unwanted sexual contact or touching
  • Sexual exploitation and trafficking
  • Exposing one’s genitals or naked body without consent
  • Nonconsensual image sharing or AI-generated imagery
  • Any words or actions of a sexual nature made without consent

Consider these statistics:

  • Over 53% of women and 29% of men reported experiencing contact sexual violence (Chen et al., 2023).
  • More than 1 in 4 non-Hispanic Black women have been raped in their lifetime (Basile et al., 2022).
  • 1 in 3 Hispanic women have reported unwanted sexual contact in their lifetime (Basile et al., 2022).
  • More than 4 in 5 American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime (Rosay, 2016).
  • 32.9% of adults with intellectual disabilities have experienced sexual violence (Tomsa et al., 2021).

These figures underscore the urgent need for education, survivor support, and prevention strategies grounded in equity and inclusion.

Acting with Purpose

Education is a vital first step toward action. This year’s SAAM campaign encourages communities to learn together, challenge harmful myths, and build safer, more supportive environments for everyone—especially young people and those disproportionately impacted by violence.

By acting with purpose and unity, we can shift how our communities understand, talk about, and respond to sexual violence.

NYSCADV’s Commitment

NYSCADV remains dedicated to working alongside our state and local partners and allies—to raise awareness, support survivors, and dismantle the root causes of sexual violence. We believe that safe, respectful communities are possible when we work together.

Get Involved This April

There are many ways to participate in SAAM and show your support:

  • Wear teal on April 1st for SAAM Day of Action and share on social media.
  • Join the #30DaysofSAAM Challenge throughout April.
  • Wear denim on April 30th for Denim Day to raise awareness and stand in solidarity with survivors.
  • Join the Start by Believing Campaign and change the way we respond to disclosures of sexual violence.
  • Start a campaign in your school, workplace, or community group to amplify this year’s theme.

Resources to Learn More and Show Support: