April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)—a time to reflect on progress, uplift survivors, and recommit to prevention.
This national campaign, led by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, marks its 25th anniversary in 2026 with the theme: “25 Years Strong: Looking Back, Moving Forward.”
NYSCADV joins advocates and partners nationwide this month to raise awareness, support survivors, and strengthen efforts to prevent sexual violence in all its forms.
Recognizing the Intersection of Sexual and Domestic Violence
Sexual violence does not occur in isolation. It is often deeply intertwined with domestic violence, including within intimate partner relationships, where harm may include:
· Sexual assault and coercion
· Reproductive control
· Manipulation, threats, and abuse tied to intimacy
· Patterns of power and control that include sexual violence
Survivors frequently experience multiple, overlapping forms of harm.
Addressing sexual violence requires us to also confront domestic violence—and the shared root causes that allow both to persist.
Understanding the Impact
Sexual violence affects people of all identities and backgrounds and occurs in every community. It includes behaviors such as:
· Rape or sexual assault
· Sexual harassment and abuse
· Unwanted sexual contact
· Sexual exploitation and trafficking
· Nonconsensual image sharing, including AI-generated imagery
· Any sexual act or behavior without consent
Research shows:
· Most survivors report the person who harmed them was someone they knew
· Over half of women and nearly one-third of men have experienced contact sexual violence
· Transgender individuals, people with disabilities, and women of color experience disproportionately high rates of violence
These realities underscore the need for prevention strategies that are intersectional, survivor-centered, and rooted in equity.
Prevention Starts With All of Us
Preventing sexual and domestic violence is a shared responsibility.
Prevention lives in how we:
· Practice and respect consent
· Challenge harmful norms and behaviors
· Support survivors with belief and compassion
· Build communities grounded in dignity, safety, and accountability
We honor the survivors who have shared their stories and the advocates who have led this work. Their courage reminds us that change is possible—and that each of us has a role to play.
NYSCADV’s Commitment
The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV) remains committed to:
· Addressing the intersections of sexual and domestic violence
· Supporting survivors and strengthening pathways to healing
· Partnering across systems and communities to prevent harm
We believe that safe, respectful communities are possible when we work together.
Spotlight: NYC Alliance Against Sexual Assault
We are proud to recognize the NYC Alliance Against Sexual Assault, the newly recognized statewide coalition supporting sexual assault programs in New York State.
This Sexual Assault Awareness Month, they are hosting an important conversation:
Sexuality, Healing, and Breaking Stigma Panel
Friday, April 17
10:00–11:30 AM EST
Virtual (Zoom)
This panel will bring together survivors, advocates, and clinicians to explore navigating sexuality after trauma, addressing stigma, and supporting healing-centered conversations.
Get Involved This April
There are many ways to take part in SAAM:
· Wear teal on April 7 for SAAM Day of Action
· Participate in the #30DaysofSAAM challenge
· Wear denim on April 29 for Denim Day
· Join the Start by Believing campaign
· Engage your community in conversations about prevention
Resources
· Visit rainn.org
· Call 800.656.HOPE
Moving Forward Together
For 25 years, SAAM has helped shape a national movement grounded in awareness, prevention, and survivor support.
As we look ahead, we renew our commitment to addressing the full spectrum of violence impacting survivors.
Every voice matters. Every action counts.
Together, we can build a future where all people are safe, valued, and free from violence.
