April Is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April Is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is coming and it’s a big month for SafeHouse. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)—a time to recognize the realities survivors face, amplify their voices, and recommit ourselves to prevention, justice, and healing.

This year is especially meaningful for SafeHouse. We are proud to celebrate 10 years of providing forensic services to survivors in our community. For a decade, our team has walked alongside survivors during some of the most difficult hours of their lives—offering compassionate, trauma-informed care and ensuring access to critical medical forensic exams. That work is possible because of community support and partnerships across our service area. Read on to learn more about what we’ll be up to in April 2026.

Community Proclamations Across Our Service Area

We are honored that four counties and seven municipalities across our service area will issue official proclamations declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. These proclamations matter. They signal that our local leaders recognize sexual violence as a serious issue and affirm their support for survivors.

If you would like to attend a proclamation meeting or participate in one of our other SAAM events, please see the calendar below for dates, times, and locations. Your presence helps demonstrate that survivors are not alone—and that our community stands with them.

SAAM CALENDAR

Tuesday, 3/3: Harpersville Proclamation, 5:30 pm, Harpersville Town Council Meeting (Harpersville Town Hall)

Thursday, 3/5: Pelham Proclamation, 5:30 pm, Pelham City Council Meeting (Pelham City Hall)

Monday, 3/9: Shelby County Proclamation, 8:30 am, Shelby County Commission (200 West College Street, Room 123)

Monday, 3/9: Clay County Proclamation, 11:00 am, Clay County Commission (41771 Highway 77, Suite 1, Ashland, Alabama 36251)

Tuesday, 3/10: Coosa Conty Proclamation, 9:00 am, Coosa County Commission (Coosa County Court House, 9709 US Hwy 231)

Thursday, 3/19: Statewide Proclamation 

Monday, 3/23: Helena Proclamation, 6:00 pm, Helena City Council Meeting (City-County Room 330, 316 N Park Ave, 59601)

Monday 3/23: Montevallo Proclamation: 6:00 pm, Montevallo City Council Meeting (Montevallo City Hall)

Tuesday, 3/31: Chilton County Proclamation, Chilton County City Council Meeting (500 2nd Avenue N, Clanton)

Monday, 4/6: Calera Proclamation, Calera City Council Meeting (Calera City Hall)

Tuesday, 4/7: TEAL Day (wear teal and post on social media to raise awareness)

Saturday, 4/18: SafeHouse Strong Annual 5K Fundraiser, 8:00 am Registration, 9:00 am race time (Veterans Park, 7305 Highway 119, Alabaster, AL 35007)

Wednesday, 4/29: DENIM Day (wear denim and post on social media to support survivors)

“What Were You Wearing?” Art Installation

Throughout April, our powerful “What Were You Wearing?” art installation will be on display at:

• The nursing program at the University of Montevallo Nursing Program
• The Chilton County Courthouse (beginning 4/1)

This installation challenges one of the most harmful myths about sexual assault—that clothing causes violence. The exhibit features recreations of outfits worn by survivors at the time of their assault, paired with personal narratives. The message is clear: sexual assault is never the survivor’s fault.

We encourage you to visit the exhibit, reflect, and bring a friend or colleague. Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to change culture.

SafeHouse Strong 5K – April 18

Mark your calendar for April 18 and register today for our annual SafeHouse Strong 5K and fundraiser. This event brings together runners, walkers, families, and advocates who believe in a safer future for everyone.

Whether you run, walk, sponsor, or simply cheer from the sidelines, your participation directly supports survivor services—including forensic exams, advocacy, counseling, prevention education, and outreach.

Why Sexual Assault Awareness Month Matters

Sexual violence is more common than many people realize, yet it remains underreported and surrounded by stigma. SAAM is an opportunity to:

• Center survivors and listen without judgment
• Challenge harmful myths and victim-blaming narratives
• Promote consent and healthy relationships
• Encourage accountability and prevention

Listening to survivors is not passive. It is transformative. When we listen, believe, and respond with compassion, we help create pathways to healing. When we educate young people about boundaries and consent, we reduce risk and build healthier communities. When we speak openly about sexual violence, we chip away at silence and shame.

A Call to Action

Ending sexual violence requires more than awareness—it requires action. Here are ways you can get involved this April and beyond:

Become a Volunteer.
Give your time to support survivors, assist with events, or help with outreach efforts. Volunteers are the backbone of community response.

Be a Prosocial Bystander.
Anyone can interrupt harmful behavior, check in with someone who looks uncomfortable, or speak up when a joke or comment crosses the line. Small actions make a big difference.

Speak Out.
Use your voice—at work, at school, online, and at home—to promote consent, respect, and accountability.

Donate.
In a time of funding uncertainty, community support is more critical than ever. Your financial gift ensures that survivors continue to receive free, confidential services—no matter what.