April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and we use SAAM to show that everyone is impacted by sexual harassment, assault, and abuse. SAAM brings public awareness to sexual violence and educates all communities on how to prevent it. The theme for SAAM 2023 is “Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity” to help everyone of all ages understand why anti-oppression is sexual violence prevention.
Every year, various organizations across the United States host events to bring awareness to their communities during the month of April. We would like to encourage you to get out and get involved with one or more of these many activities - we have highlighted several events in happening here in Pennsylvania below:
Week of April 1 - 8
April 1, 5:30 pm: 37 W Philadelphia St., York, PA: "A Conversation About Consent." Join artist and survivor, Erica Gaimari, and YWCA York to kick-off SAAM with an exhibit of artwork created by survivors to raise awareness of the impact of sexual assault. Light appetizers and refreshments will be served.
April 3, 12:30 pm: Victim Services Center of Montgomery County (VSC) will hold a press conference on April 3, 2023, at 12:30 pm at the Montgomery County Courthouse. Confirmed speakers include Senator Katie Muth, board president of VSC Kristen Gibbons Feden, Esq., and Suzanne V. Estrella, Esq., Pennsylvania’s Office of Victim Advocate.
April 4: Teal Tuesdays begin. Wear teal on Tuesdays throughout the month of April to show your support!
April 1 - 7: PASSAGES, INC.'S 10th Annual Walk a Mile (or more) in his/her/their shoes - keep track of your distances and awards will be given for most miles and highest donations.
Week of April 9 - 15
April 13, 9 am - 3 pm: Crime Victims Center of Fayette County partners with Penn State Fayette to present You Are Not Alone: Crime Victim's Need for Support and Education including plenary sessions, breakout sessions, and a book signing and talk by LaVarr McBride, author of Standing in the Dark: Struggle and Hope for Victims of Violent Crimes
April 15: Westmoreland County’s 12th annual March to End Gender-Based Violence, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, hosted by Blackburn Center.
Week of April 16 - 22
April 21: Delaware County Victim Assistance Center is hosting a Spring Fundraiser for SAAM at Barnaby's Aston, featuring an open bar, food, music, and raffles. $40 in advance, $45 at the door.
Week of April 23 - 29 and Monday, April 30
April 26: Wear Denim to show solidarity with SAAM
April 26, 8 - 11 am: Victim Outreach Intervention Center in Butler, PA is hosting Donuts and Denim on the Diamond at Diamond Park
April 27, 4 - 6:30 pm: SARCC is hosting Speak Up, Speak Out at Monument Park with speakers Marty Barth and Amaya Rodriguez in Lebanon
April 28, 6 - 9 pm: LGBTQIA+ Drop-in Center is hosting a Paint Night at 615 Cumberland St. in Lebanon
Check out the following resources available from NSVRC:
Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity #SAAM2023
SAAM 2023 Proclamation
30 Days of SAAM 2023
