The Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Click here to download a JPG of this poster

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year Wisconsin is focusing on Primary Prevention to end sexual violence before it occurs. But, ending sexual violence cannot be achieved without first and foremost, awareness and education.

Sexual violence takes many forms, including rape, incest, child sexual abuse, stalking, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. These crimes are not committed in dark alleys by strangers so much as they are committed in our schools, our workplaces, our streets and our homes by people we know. The victims are not impersonal stereotypes. They are sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends, that kid that fell off the monkey bars in first grade … and possibly even you and me.

Statistics show us that any random group of three Wisconsin women holds one victim of sexual assault, as does any group of five Wisconsin men. In fact, 93% of sexual assault survivors are violated by someone they know and trust, oftentimes before the age of 15.

Talk to your children now. Talk to your friends now. Talk to your grandparents now. Make sure you address any inappropriate behaviors that you see now. The simple act of speaking up may seem frightening, but it changes the world in ways that you can’t imagine. You, as an individual, hold the power to start the transformation of your workplace, home, school, and life. The fruit of your efforts will be a community, a family, a workplace, where respect is the norm and where choosing to sexually harass or to sexually assault another person is simply never acceptable.

During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, show your support by wearing a teal-colored ribbon. Wear your ribbon proudly to let others know that you do not accept sexual violence in your community.

2009 SAAM Calendar

2009 SAAM Organizing Packet (PDF's) Packet Introductory Letter Governor's Proclamation Beginning the Dialogue Primary Prevention Sample Meeting Agenda	2009 Media Guide Governor's SAAM Proclamation Press Release Sample Press Release (under 150 words) Sample Press Release (under 250 words) Working with the Media Sample Press Release Sample Letter to the Editor Getting PSA's on the Air Sample PSA's Media Guide Media Tips
2009 Graphics-English Graphics Order Form (PDF) Boookmarks Magnets Posters Stickers	2009 Graphics-Spanish Graphics Order Form (PDF) Poster
Activity and Event Planning Getting Started and Events Showcase More Event and Activity Ideas Questions to Consider	Additional Resources Healthy Relationships Checklist A Parent's Guide to Protecting Children Against Sexual Abuse Become a Watchdog Don't Be a Player 12 Ways You Can Make a Difference Mock Trial Mock Trial Script
Other Online Resources National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) Media Education Foundation