What is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)?
In 2001, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) launched Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Every April, NSVRC collaborates with organizations across the nation to highlight the prevalence of sexual violence and its impact on communities. SAAM endeavors to increase public awareness about sexual violence and provide education on prevention strategies.
The theme of SAAM 2025 is Together we act. United we change, highlights the importance of working together to address and prevent sexual abuse, assault, and harassment.
This campaign focuses on enhancing public understanding of sexual violence, amplifying the voices of survivors, and empowering us to work together to promote the safety and well-being of others. Everyone in our communities deserves to live in safe and supportive environments where they are treated with respect. When our workplaces, schools, and communities work together to uphold safety and respect, we make progress in preventing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment.
SAAM is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in ending sexual violence. From education to prevention, each action counts.
For more information about Sexual Assault Awareness Month, visit the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s website at www.nsvrc.org.
What is Sexual Violence?
Educating our community about the profound effects of sexual violence is essential to breaking the cycle of abuse and fostering a safer future for all. As the graphic at left indicates, sexual violence is about more than physical injuries—although the physical aspects are the most obvious result of an assault. Sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, and mental health issues are all consequences that survivors must face and overcome. In the aftermath of an assault, survivors might withdraw from society, be unable to hold down a job, be fearful of returning to school, and lose contact with friends and family. Survivors might experience difficulties many months or even years after the assault.
Through empowerment, crisis intervention, and education, we work to not only support those affected by sexual violence but also to create lasting change. A critical part of this support is InterAct’s Solace Center, a safe and compassionate space where survivors receive expert forensic nursing care and emotional support. Solace Center clients also have access to case management services and long-term support. InterAct’s wraparound care includes therapeutic services, emergency shelter, and help finding and preparing for permanent housing, if needed.
About InterAct's Solace Center
The Solace Center at InterAct is the only free-standing, community-based sexual assault forensic examination center in Wake County. It is one of InterAct’s core services providing wrap-around care for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Since 2011, the Solace Center has provided expert, compassionate care at no cost to the survivor.
Who We Serve
All people 16 and older who need our services
Those 15 and younger are referred to WakeMed Children’s Emergency Department
Who We Serve
Forensic evidence collection within 5 days (120 hours) of an assault
Crisis intervention services
Connection with a case manager for immediate and long-term support, such as support groups, safety planning, and community referrals
Referrals for follow-up care and assistance with medication
Specialized forensic nursing care and advocacy
Your Options After an Assault
Evidence collection should occur as soon as possible, as some evidence degrades quickly. For this reason, a medical forensic examination is an option. If elected, a forensic exam must be conducted within 5 days (120 hours) of an assault.
Forensic exams can be performed and evidence stored anonymously until the survivor decides they are ready to report to law enforcement.
Support and advocacy services are available even if the survivor decides not to proceed with the forensic exam.
Long-term Support For Survivors
Support and referrals around medical and mental health care
Assistance with reporting to law enforcement and support/advocacy through the investigation and potential court processes
Obtaining protective orders and legal assistance
Access to housing, food, and other essential services