April is Sexual Violence Awareness Month:

A Time for Education and Action

Trigger Warning: Topics in this blog concern sexual violence.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), an important month of education, support, and healing for survivors of sexual violence. It’s a time to highlight the importance of this issue and open a discourse on something that is often viewed as taboo. By actively participating in Sexual Assault Awareness Month, you can create meaningful and lasting change by supporting survivors across the Valley.

 Every 68 seconds, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted. This staggering number highlights just how prevalent sexual violence is in our society, yet most people can’t define what sexual violence actually is. In this blog, you will learn about what sexual violence is, how to prevent it, where to get resources for survivors, and so much more.

2 out of 3 cases of sexual assault go unreported. This silence hinders the ability for survivors to get the support they need. A New Leaf is committed to making sure every survivor has the ability to receive all of the resources they need on their healing journey.

This month, A New Leaf is committed to breaking the silence and stigma surrounding sexual assault. By becoming educated on what sexual assault is and its impacts, you can create a supportive environment for survivors who choose to, to come forward and share their stories.

Awareness and education are powerful tools for all members of the community to have. Together, we can work towards a future where every survivor feels supported enough to take action and heal. This April, let’s stand together with survivors, raise our voices for change, and work tirelessly to ensure every survivor has a path towards healing.

Sincerely,

Wendy Romo

REACH Program Manager

A New Leaf

Watch this video from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center to learn about the goal of Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2024.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is an annual observance during April which brings attention to sexual violence and educates our shared community about how to prevent it. A New Leaf works across the Valley to help survivors of sexual violence heal and recover from their trauma, and this educational campaign is an important element to our work.

Sexual assault is an issue deeply rooted in our culture and society. This April, SAAM will focus on educating the community on the many different forms of sexual violence such as child abuse, domestic violence, harassment, cyberbullying, and more. Though it might not be a prominent discussion, it is an important one that needs to be brought to light.

Understanding the Issue: What Is Sexual Assault?

To identify a sexual assault situation, it is important to be educated as to what exactly sexual assault is. This topic is never easy to discuss, but many times a lack of education is what allows an assault to go without notice. Without clear boundaries of behavior, seemingly innocent situations can become very dangerous in a short period of time.

Sexual violence happens in every community and affects people of all genders and ages. Sexual violence is any type of unwanted sexual contact. This includes words and actions of a sexual nature against a person’s will and without their consent. A person may use force, threats, manipulation, or coercion to commit sexual violence.

It’s important to be aware of the signs of sexual assault and educate your children about them as well.

How to Participate in SAAM This Year

In order to make a difference, we encourage you to participate in SAAM, as it is a way for people in our community to come together and raise awareness for this important issue. You can find information on how you can make an impact on the  National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) website.

1. The first Tuesday of every April is the SAAM Day of Action. The Day of Action is an opportunity to start off the month with highly visible and coordinated actions. Plan an event, schedule SAAM-related social media content, participate in the #30DaysofSAAM, or find your own way to get involved on April 2nd, 2024. Visit https://www.nsvrc.org/saam/2024/getinvolved/dayofaction for more information.

2. Show your support for survivors of sexual harassment and abuse by wearing teal — the color of sexual violence prevention — post a selfie to Twitter or Instagram using #SAAM2024. By wearing teal, you’re signaling that you support survivors, and are a safe person to talk to if they need to reach out.

3. Spread the word on social media! Social media is a powerful platform to share your message with the world. It’s the easiest way to get your content out there, but it can be difficult to get traction. You can view the 30 Day Social Media Challenge here!

4. Promote the NSVRC’s theme in 2024 of Building Connected Communities! This theme encourages people to be active in promoting awareness to their neighbors, and help educate them about sexual violence. With proper education and strengthened community, we can help prevent sexual violence. You can read more about the theme here!

5. Follow A New Leaf on social media and tag us in posts related to SAAM to promote awareness! A New Leaf is active on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and more.

Watch this video to learn more about A New Leaf’s REACH (Resiliency, Empowerment, Advocacy, Community, Healing) Program.

The REACH program offers a variety of services tailored to meet the individual needs of survivors. REACH’s 24-hour helpline is always available, providing emotional support, personal advocacy, information, and referrals. REACH workers and volunteers are there to listen, believe, and to empower survivors on their journey towards healing.

You can call the Non-Emergency 24-hour helpline at: (480) 733-3028. If you or someone you know is experiencing an emergency situation please call 911. 

In addition to the 24-hour helpline, REACH offers in-person and virtual support options. REACH is committed to providing a safe space for healing through therapeutic, holistic, individual, and group support. Their are numerous support groups for survivors and secondary survivors of sexual violence. These groups are designed to foster a community of support and recovery for all survivors in need.

Healing from sexual violence is a personal and complex process. The REACH program is a one-stop safe space for survivors to be believed, supported, and empowered. The weekly classes at the REACH Sexual Violence Services Center are designed to support survivors in all aspects of their recovery. From counseling to legal advocacy, they provide resources that cater to the emotional, physical, and legal needs of survivors.

By reaching out to the REACH Sexual Violence Services Helpline at (480) 733-3028, survivors can take the first step in their healing journey. The REACH team is ready to assist with non-emergency services, guidance, and support to empower survivors on their journey to healing. You can also visit their webpage directly on A New Leaf’s website here!

The REACH program is more than just a service; it’s a community committed to supporting survivors of sexual violence. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, we encourage you to contact us. Together, we can embark on a path towards healing and empowerment.

Getting Help: What Other Resources Are Available?

There is a national network of community-based rape crisis centers and local organizations who support the needs of sexual assault survivors. These centers exist across the United States to provide all kinds supportive services, and help survivors progress in their journey of healing. While the specific services available vary by location, services are confidential and may include:

1. Advocacy

2. Education

3. Follow-up services, and referrals to other resources

4. Accompaniment during medical exams and law enforcement interviews

Every state and territory also has an organization designated to coordinate resources and represent that state or territory as its coalition.

NSVRC maintains a directory of organizations that lists state and territory sexual assault coalitions, survivor support organizations, and local communities of color sexual assault organizations. You can contact your state or territory’s coalition to find local resources that provide services to survivors. You can also find a rape crisis center or sexual assault program near you by searching RALIANCE’s directory of local programs.

The Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN), organizes the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline. The Hotline is a referral service that can put you in contact with your local rape crisis center. You can call the Hotline at 1-800-656-4673, or access RAINN’s online chat service.

Content from this article relied on resources and content located on the website for the National Sexual Violence Resource Center at https://www.nsvrc.org.