COVID-19 Has Not Stopped Sexual Violence

Apr 01st, 2020

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)

Silver Spring, Md., April 1, 2020 — April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and it is important to note that sexual violence does not stop because of a virus.  Even with Covid-19 restrictions in place, MCASA will still work to keep prevention present during SAAM. 

We must acknowledge during this uncertain time, survivors of sexual violence may be experiencing increased dangers and isolation.  Support is available to survivors of sexual violence at all times, including during this health crisis. To find information on your local Rape Crisis Center, including hotline numbers and available services during COVID-19, please visit: https://mcasa.org/survivors/find-a-rape-crisis-center

The Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI) provides comprehensive legal services to victims and survivors of sexual violence in Maryland, including child sexual abuse. SALI attorneys and staff are working remotely: for legal inquiries, please contact SALI at 301-565-2277.

We have the power as a community to stop sexual violence before it starts.  Each year, SAAM brings people together to create awareness and generate discussion on how to prevent sexual violence in our schools, workplaces, and community.  Unfortunately we can’t physically come together to celebrate prevention as we typically do, but MCASA will still work to keep prevention present during April. The positive news is we can still offer online events and actions that will help us meet our prevention goals. 

To learn more about this year’s SAAM theme, “I Ask,” visit https://www.nsvrc.org/saam. Asking for consent is a necessary and normal part of sexual activity. This April, our goal is to educate and promote consent communication.  Consent is a skill that gets better as you practice! 

You can keep up-to-date with our Online #SAAM by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  If you have an Instagram account, consider participating along with us in #30DaysofSAAM to show your support for survivors. To learn more about the #30DaysofSAAM contest, visit https://www.nsvrc.org/30daysofsaam-2020-instagram-contest

MCASA is the federally-recognized state sexual assault coalition.  MCASA's core members are the State's 17 rape crisis centers, and the Coalition also represents the voices of many other member professionals, programs, and service providers working with sexual assault survivors.  MCASA includes the Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI), which provides direct legal services to victims of sexual violence across the state of Maryland. MCASA is the leading public policy advocate for survivors of sexual assault in Annapolis and more information about 2020 legislative priorities and services for survivors can be found at www.mcasa.org.

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