Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Every April, Stony Brook University (SBU) and communities nationwide observe and recognize survivors and take action against sexual violence. This initiative began in the early 1970s when survivors of sexual violence started speaking out about their experiences. Social activism grew, leading to increased awareness and support for survivors. In 2001, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) launched the first SAAM campaign to promote education about sexual violence, consent, and ending victim-blaming. In 2009, April was officially recognized as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Events like Denim Day and Take Back the Night play a significant role in raising awareness about sexual violence. Denim Day began in response to a controversial court case in Italy, promoting solidarity against victim-blaming. Take Back the Night events have been pivotal in the history of sexual violence awareness, with the first event occurring in 1978. These initiatives highlight the prevalence of sexual violence, with statistics showing that approximately 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men in the U.S. have experienced sexual coercion or attempted rape. 

GET HELP

If you are experiencing relationship violence in any form, help is available on campus as well as through national and local resources. Learn more here.

For anonymous, confidential help available 24/7, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) now.

Organizations like VIBS and LI Against Domestic Violence are available to local residents, and those living anywhere in New Your State can also contact the New York State Hotline for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence at 1-800-942-6906, or visit www.nyscasa.org.

If you are not on Long Island or are out of New York State, learn more about your local resources on line or by contacting the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE, or visit www.rainn.org.