Sexual Assault
Funding for Sexual Assault Awareness has been provided by The Sexual Assault Victim Services and supported by Crime Victim Assistance Grant Award CVA#: 31543-2V17 awarded to Domestic Violence Project., Inc./SafeHouse Center.
IMPORTANT: If you are a survivor of sexual assault, or if you think you may be a survivor, help is available. You may always contact SafeHouse Center’s 24-hour HelpLine at (734) 995-5444.
Why is April Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)?
In the late 1990s, advocates began coordinating activities on a regular basis throughout the month of April to promote an idea for a nationally recognized month for sexual violence awareness. Over time, sexual assault awareness activities expanded to include the issue of sexual violence against men and men’s participation in ending sexual violence.
SAAM was first observed nationally in April 2001 and has been continuing on ever since.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month hopes to increase awareness about the implications of sexual assault in our community and promote activism to end this pervasive social problem.
Why is SAAM Important?
Sexual Assault is the most underreported crime in the US, even though someone is assaulted every 73 seconds in America.
Sexual Assault Definition
Sexual assault includes attacks such as rape or attempted rape, as well as any unwanted sexual contact or threats. Usually, a sexual assault occurs when someone touches any part of another person’s body in a sexual way, even through clothes, without that person’s consent. Some types of sexual acts that fall under the category of sexual assault include forced sexual intercourse (rape), sodomy (oral or anal sexual acts), child molestation, incest, fondling and attempted rape. Assailants can be strangers but are more likely acquaintances, friends, or family members. Assailants commit sexual assault by way of violence, threats, coercion, manipulation, pressure or tricks.
If you are a survivor of sexual assault, or if you think you may be a survivor, help is available. You may always contact SafeHouse Center’s 24-hour HelpLine at (734) 995-5444.
Important Resources:
