April is
Sexual Assault Awareness
& Prevention Month

woman with long dark hair, smiling, wearing a black top and burgundy jacketFrom our CEO, Kate Garvey

As we begin Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, we are reminded of the profound impact recent federal actions and orders have had on our communities. This has been a particularly challenging time for sexual assault survivors, especially within trans and immigrant communities, who are feeling increasingly unsafe in their daily lives—whether at work, in schools, or even when seeking essential support services.

For community nonprofits like KCSARC, every new order compounds the uncertainty we face, especially as massive cuts to VOCA—a critical federal resource—threaten the availability of victim services in King County and across the state.

Yet, we are witnessing something extraordinary—the unwavering resilience of our community.

That community resilience has shown itself in many forms in the last few months. From the huge turnout at our Rally for Victims and our BE LOUD Breakfast, to the beautiful messages and inspiring songs  submitted for our Survivor Empowerment Playlist, our community shows up. That resilience is evident in the families who participate in A New Day group, who want to learn how to better support their child’s recovery. And it’s there in the strong voices of survivors who speak out as Empowered Voices members and young people who build connection and power through our Youth Advisory Council.

Let’s mark Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month by continuing to build resilience and community power.

CONTINUE READING

SAAPM CALENDAR

April 1: Day of Action

Show your support for survivors of sexual assault and start a conversation with those you see today by wearing teal (or your BE LOUD button)!

April 6-12: Crime Victim Rights Week

Victims of crime have rights both at the federal and state level when engaging in the criminal justice system. Watch our social media during this week for information and links to share with others.

April 8: KCSARC Webinar– Preventing Abuse: Signs of Grooming 

Push back on sexual assault and abuse! Join KCSARC’s Prevention team for a one-hour webinar to learn how to recognize and respond to grooming behaviors. See below for details!

April 30: Denim Day

Wear denim to make a statement on how we can end victim-blaming and advocate for stronger legal protections for sexual assault survivors.

April 28-May 2: National Youth Violence Prevention Week 

Join young people from across the country to take a stand against violence. Learn more.

All month: Child Abuse Awareness Month

Raise awareness about the importance of preventing child abuse and supporting families. Our partners at Children’s Advocacy Centers of Washington offer resources for creating safe environments for children.

WAYS TO LEARN & TAKE ACTION

Preventing Abuse: Signs of Grooming

Register for our webinar

Preventing Abuse: Signs of Grooming
Tuesday, April 8
12 noon

Led by KCSARC’s Prevention Education team, you’ll learn to identify and respond to common strategies that abusers use to groom young people and how parents, caregivers, educators and other adults can better protect them.

REGISTER

The Link to Prevention Podcast

Listen to new podcast episodes

A new Link to Prevention series helps parents, caregivers, and others who work with children build skills that can help them protect children from sexual abuse.

Tune in and subscribe to learn:
– What and how to talk with the young people in your life
– How to really listen for clues that may indicate abuse or grooming
– Why it’s important for children to learn names of body parts & more

LISTEN NOW 

illustration of black music album with red heart at center on light blue background
Tune in to KCSARC’s Survivor Empowerment Playlist

Our KCSARC community understood the assignment! You’ve curated a special SAAPM playlist of songs that uplift, fill us with hope and strength, and support survivors on their healing journey. Check out the powerful messages with these song submissions below or search for KCSARC on Spotify to listen.

FIND THE PLAYLIST

Join KCSARC’s BE LOUD Club

Be part of the solution to sexual violence all year long. Join this committed group of community supporters who sustain our work.

LEARN MORE AND JOIN

MORE TO LEARN & SHARE

  1. Help spread the word. Every like, share and comment helps others see what we post. Follow @kcsarc on Facebook, or Instagram or @King County Sexual Assault Resource Center on LinkedIn.
  2. Strengthen your upstander skills. Check out these video resources to learn how to hear and respond to a disclosure of sexual assault in a way that starts someone’s healing process.
  3. Stay in the know. Get the latest KCSARC news, event listings, resources and more by joining our e-News list.

And remember, we’re here, always

KCSARC’s 24-hour Resource Line offers free and confidential information and help 7 days a week.

1.888.99.VOICE

SAAPM in your community

Many municipalities throughout King County Council are proclaiming April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in their community, showing survivors they are not alone. We thank them! Check back throughout the month as we add to this growing list!

Bellevue
Bothell
Burien
Carnation
Covington
Des Moines
Enumclaw
Federal Way

Issaquah
Kenmore
Kent
Kirkland
Lake Forest Park
Medina
Mercer Island

North Bend
Redmond
Renton
SeaTac
Shoreline
Snoqualmie
Tukwila

425.282.0324 — Ayuda en Español

Gratis y confidencial / Llame de lunes a viernes 8 am - 5 pm

Donate Now

888.998.6423 — 24/7 Resource Line

Free and confidential / Call for help or information 24 hours a day