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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 marked the 20th anniversary of the first official SAAM.
This SAAM, we created a campaign with the theme of “Moments Create Movements” to examine how our small actions can create major change in the sexual violence prevention movement. Below are some highlights of the responses we received that show some of the ways Marylanders contribute to sexual assault prevention. Allies in the community are stepping in when they see high-risk situations, they're speaking out about their values, they're engaging their friends and families in prevention, and they're advocating for major changes in their communities!
If you're interested in participating, we still want to hear from you- you can complete this very brief form to share your thoughts.
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Every day, we have the opportunity to prevent sexual violence through our small moments, and when we take action throughout the year, we can all contribute to the movement to end sexual violence. What will you create with your moment?
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 more SAAM materials below.
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.
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].
MCASA's Mission Matters. To help us support survivors during SAAM, you can 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
