History of Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Over two decades ago, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) launched the first SAAM in order to bring attention to the prevalence of sexual violence, advocate for survivors, and promote healthy relationships and consent. But the work and development of this month happened long before its international acknowledgement. During the first and second waves of the feminist movement, women, especially women of color, began advocating against race and gender based discrimination. It was through their efforts that legislation such as the Violence Against Women Act in 1993, which put forth funding towards investigations and prosecutions of violent crimes against women, was passed into law. The feminist movement in the United States has had many successes, but there is still much work to be done to achieve true equality. Today we strive to create inclusive spaces for people of all genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds to learn more about sexual violence and how to prevent it. We invite you to join us and help spread the message of SAAM 2023. At our events, you’ll find workshops, readings, and special guest speakers who will ultimately create a culture of consent.