Origins of Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). SAAM’s purpose is to educate our communities and raise awareness about sexual violence. Over the years, the national campaign for SAAM has emphasized the prevention of sexual violence. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) has unveiled the 2013 campaign. The focus of this year’s campaign is healthy sexuality and child sexual abuse prevention. Their slogan is “It’s time…to talk about it! Talk early, talk often. Prevent sexual violence.” SAAM was nationally recognized for the first time in April 2001. The roots of SAAM date back to the first documented Take Back the Night march that took place in Brussels, Belgium during The International Tribunal on Crimes against Women. The Tribunal was held March 4-8, 1976. As a result of this march a movement known as Reclaim The Night was born. Reclaim The Night marches occurred throughout Europe, Australia, and India...