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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, where we work to build a connected community dedicated to ending sexual violence and supporting survivors. April 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the first official SAAM.
Participate in MCASA’s SAAM Campaign! Our theme is “Moments Create Movements,” and how our small actions can create major change in the sexual violence prevention movement. To launch our campaign, we want to hear from people who
live and work in Maryland about small ways they help prevent sexual violence. We also want to know what people think their communities could do to better prevent sexual violence. These responses may be featured on our social media throughout April! To participate, complete this very brief form to respond to the two questions above, and share with your community so we can learn from people across the state.
Support is available to survivors of sexual violence at all times, including during the COVID-19 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.
While SAAM is a wonderful opportunity to recommit to prevention, it is critical that we don’t put prevention aside when the month is over; it needs to be an ongoing, yearlong process. Please click here to learn more about how you can contribute to prevention every day, or click here to request a training on prevention topics. You can also access 2020 SAAM materials below.
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center hosts SAAM every year and has a rotating theme. This year's theme is "We Can Build Safe Online Spaces." Find out more here.
Stay up to date on virtual SAAM opportunities via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and participate along with us in the NSVRC's #30DaysofSAAM Instagram contest.
Bored at home? Try these SAAM-related activities, including coloring pages and more!
You can also submit your completed coloring page or T-shirts to our Online SAAM gallery- see details below!
What Were You Wearing?
Dove Center & Family Crisis Resource Center, Inc., two of MCASA's member rape crisis centers, along with several other organizations created a virtual art exhibit for SAAM called "What Were You Wearing?" Click here to view this powerful tribute to survivors.
MCASA's SAAM Gallery
Share your creativity this SAAM! Submit artwork, poetry, or photography that expresses your support of survivors or your thoughts about prevention. If you would like to participate, please share your creations with us by emailing them to [email protected], with "SAAM Gallery" in the subject line. We accept submissions throughout the year to share in our SAAM Gallery!
A note to school administrators regarding Title IX:
Please remember that even during this unprecedented health crisis, your students are entitled to prompt and equitable resolutions of their sexual misconduct complaints. Reports, investigations, and adjudications can be done remotely, and Covid-19 is not an excuse to put cases on hold. If you have questions about your institution’s legal obligations under Title IX or the Maryland Education Article during distance learning, please reach out to MCASA for expert advice by calling 301-565-2277 or emailing [email protected].
Consider helping us support survivors during SAAM. Make a donation here.
Information and resources from previous SAAM campaigns:
SAAM 2019/2020: I Ask
SAAM 2018: Embrace Your Voice
SAAM 2017: Engaging New Voices
SAAM 2016: Prevention is Possible
SAAM 2015: It’s Time To Act
