InterAct's crisis lines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: (919) 828-7740; (866) 291-0855 toll-free
SEXUAL ASSAULT: (919) 828-3005; (866) 291-0853 toll-free
SPANISH: (844) 203-8896
April 2024
What is Sexual Assault Awareness Month?
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 2024 is Building Connected Communities, a campaign that helps us reduce the likelihood of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment in our communities. We must strive to create strong, connected communities that take care of one another. Communities that make decisions to ensure the safety and well-being of all members are critical to ending sexual violence worldwide.
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.
InterAct’s Solace Center
InterAct's Solace Center
Info. & Resources
Forms of sexual violence
Forms of sexual violence
The Solace Center
Opened within the Family Safety & Empowerment Center in April 2011, the Solace Center was the first community-based sexual assault forensic examination center in North Carolina. It is currently the only center in Wake County.
Please take a moment to review the special photos taken of the Solace Center.
InterAct is home to The Solace Center, a sexual assault victims’ safety and support center. Victims of sexual assault may contact an InterAct advocate via its 24-hour crisis line to seek resources to assist them after an assault or to answer questions about sexual violence.
The Solace Center opened within the Family Safety & Empowerment Center in April 2011. At that time, it was the first and only community-based sexual assault forensic examination center in North Carolina. It is currently the only center in Wake County.
What a Survivor Can Expect at InterAct’s Solace Center
When a survivor arrives at The Solace Center, they receive support from a trained Sexual Assault Nurse examiner (SANE) and a Sexual Assault Response Advocate (SARA). They work together to explain the process, procedure, and all options available to the survivor.
How does InterAct support sexual assault victims?
The Solace Center Provides:
- Expert forensic nursing care and advocacy.
- Prevention for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy within five days (120 hours) of a sexual assault.
- Forensic evidence collection within five days (120 hours) of a sexual assault.
- Immediate and long-term support.
- Collection of forensic evidence that can be used to prosecute rape cases.
- Solace Center services are available to all survivors, regardless of where the assault occurred, at no cost to the survivor.
ALL SERVICES ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND FREE OF CHARGE.
The Solace Center Serves:
- Survivors of all gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientations, race, color, national origin, language, or religion.
- Sexual assault survivors who are 16 years old and older. Survivors who are 15 years old or younger should be referred to WakeMed Children’s Emergency Department, where a trained Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (Pediatric SANE) is available. WakeMed ED (919) 350-8000.
The SANE will meet with the survivor to explain the process and procedures, including:
- Obtaining consent for examination
- Gathering client history
- Client interview
- Examination and evidence collection
- Discharge and follow-up information
Information and Resources
Sexual violence, which targets individuals of all genders and ages, encompasses any non-consensual sexual contact, ranging from verbal to physical coercion. Its prevalence is perpetuated by societal norms endorsing violence, power imbalances, and entrenched gender roles. Prevention necessitates unified efforts spanning communities, advocating for respect, safety, equality, and support across diverse settings.
We can stop sexual assault, harassment, and abuse before they happen.
Have questions about sexual assault? Visit InterAct’s services page to learn how it can be there for you, or someone you know.
The more you know… nsvrc.org.
Here are some additional resources.
SAAM Day of Action - A message of HOPE
You can support SAAM with a message of HOPE!
As you drive by InterAct on Oberlin Road in Raleigh, you will notice white flags adorned with the InterAct logo on the center’s front lawn. These flags symbolize peace and empowerment as part of InterAct’s SAAM awareness campaign throughout April.
Our goal is to spread a message of hope and raise awareness about InterAct and sexual violence, but we need your help to maximize our impact!
We invite you to write a message of hope on the back of the flag using a permanent marker and, if you wish, use it to represent SAAM, survivors, and InterAct. This could be a quote, an inspirational phrase, or any message of support for SAAM, InterAct, and sexual assault victims and survivors.
The flags are free and are available for pick-up from the front lawn or near the entrance of InterAct and the Pass it On Fuquay-Varina location.
InterAct and Pass it On Thrift Store
1012 Oberlin Road, Raleigh
Pass it Thrift Store Fuquay-Varina
309 South Main Street, Fuquay-Varina
Once you’ve added your message or artwork, please display the flag in your yard or another visible location. You can leave it posted in the front lawn at InterAct or take it with you. If you would like to show your support, consider taking a photo and sharing it on social media and with your community.
Please encourage others (friends, family, co-workers) to participate as well.
Here are two examples for inspiration.
See the effect of your support over the past year!
Financial information about this organization may be requested by contacting InterAct’s Chief Development Officer, Lori Richards at lorir@interactofwake.org or by calling 919-867-6722.
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