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25 Years Stronger: Standing Together to End Sexual Violence

women-holding-hands

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

This year marks a significant milestone as we recognize 25 years of national awareness efforts under the theme:

“25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward.”

Over the past 25 years, communities across the country have worked to raise awareness, support survivors, and strengthen prevention efforts. As we reflect on the progress made, we also honor the survivors, advocates, and community partners who have helped move this work forward.

At PREVAIL, we recommit ourselves to continuing the vital work of prevention, healing, advocacy, and education so that every survivor in our community has access to support, safety, and hope.

The Reality of Sexual Violence

Sexual violence remains a widespread issue affecting millions of individuals across the United States. Many survivors experience sexual violence from someone they know, including intimate partners, acquaintances, or trusted individuals.

45.1%

Nearly half of women in the United States have experienced some form of contact sexual violence during their lifetime.

16.9%

More than 1 in 6 men (16.9%) have experienced contact sexual violence.

21%

About 21% of women report experiencing completed or attempted rape in their lifetime.

504 Advocacy Responses

Here in our own community, the need for support is real. During the 2024–2025 fiscal year, PREVAIL responded 504 times to provide confidential advocacy and support to survivors of sexual assault — a 30% increase from the previous year.

Together, we can continue working toward a future where survivors are supported, and sexual violence is prevented.

Ways to Get Involved

teal day

Wear Teal Day

Tuesday, April 7

Teal represents sexual violence prevention and survivor support.

Show your support by wearing teal on April 7—whether it’s a ribbon, shirt, or accessory—and share your teal look on social media. Don’t forget to tag PREVAIL to help spread awareness in our community.

teal sand project

Teal Sand Project

PREVAIL invites authorities, organizations, and partner agencies to participate in our Teal Sand Project, a symbolic initiative designed to spark conversation and raise awareness about sexual violence.

PREVAIL provides the teal sand and informational posters, and our team joins participating partners to place teal sand in the cracks or grout of sidewalks, courtyards, or main entrances at their locations.

This symbolic act represents the community coming together to “fill the gaps” for survivors of sexual assault.

Participating partners will also be highlighted throughout April on PREVAIL’s social media as part of our community awareness campaign.

Please note: The sand is completely safe and washable.

To participate, please contact:
Elizabeth Sanchez
Community Engagement Director
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Download the flyer
Denim Day

Denim Day

Wednesday, April 29

PREVAIL invites the community to participate in Denim Day, a global movement raising awareness about sexual violence and challenging victim-blaming.

You can participate by:

  • Wearing denim and donating $10, or
  • Wearing ripped jeans and donating $15

All proceeds support services for individuals impacted by sexual violence.

Join the campaign here: Denim Day - PREVAIL

To learn more about the history of Denim Day, visit: History - Denim Day

Download the Flyer
Together, we can raise awareness, support survivors, and build a community where everyone is safe, heard, and supported.
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Saturday, 07 March 2026

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