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Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) at InterAct 2025. Together We Act. United We Change.

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?

Sexual violence leads to physical injuries, STIs, pregnancy, mental health issues, social and economic impact.

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.

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The Solace Center at InterAct is the only free-standing community-based sexual assault forensic exam center in Wake County.

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

Finding help.

To schedule an appointment or learn more:

  • Call the Solace Center at (919) 828-3067.
  • Trained staff are available 24/7 to provide support and assistance.
  • Survivors referred from local emergency departments are welcome.
  • Services are available at no cost to survivors, regardless of where the assault occurred.
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InterAct Solace Center room with holistic attention to comfort and care. The photo shows calming, neutral colors, soothing items such as blankets, adaptive lighting, comfortable seating, rugs to walk on, and soothing wooden flooring.
The Solace Center provides new clothing, snacks, drinks, and other comfort items to provide an environment that is less intimidating than a hospital room.
Solace Center Examination Chair, back view into room.
Solace Center Examination Chair with pillow, gown, socks.
The Solace Center features a private bathroom, equipped with a shower, toiletries, new clothing, and nearly every necessity someone may need.
The Solace Center features a private bathroom, equipped with a shower, toiletries, new clothing, and nearly every necessity someone may need.

Find Us Out in the Community.

Solace Center Events throughout Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April 1

at William Peace University, student brickyard area.

April 3

at WakeMed Raleigh

April 8th (11am-1pm)

WakeMed Cary

April 9th (6-9pm)

Collaborative event with Duke University and InterAct.

“Pack and Empower: Care Kits for Survivors of SA” – April 9th @ 6-7pm—Wellness 144 Come together to pack care kits for survivors of sexual assault. These kits, which will be distributed after SANE exams, provide essential comfort and support during a critical time. During this session, we will also learn about the SOLACE Center and its critical work in providing support and advocacy for survivors. Snacks will be provided!

April 14th (10am-1pm)
Tabling event at Meredith College

April 15th (6-9pm)
Tabling event at the NC State Take Back the Night Resource Fair

Take Back the Night

Date: Tuesday, April 15, 6-9pm

Resource Fair (InterAct will be present): 6-7pm

Speakers & Call to Action: 6:30pm
Campus March: 7-7:45pm

Event Location (all events): Talley Student Union and Stafford Commons, NC State University

Join InterAct at NC State’s Take Back the Night on Tuesday, April 15 from 6–9 p.m. at Talley Student Union. This annual event reclaims the night for survivors of sexual violence through collective action, storytelling, and support. The evening includes a resource fair, rally, campus march, and Survivor Speak Out. InterAct will be there to offer resources and support.

April 15th (11am-1pm)
WakeMed North

April 22nd (11am-1pm)
UNC Rex Hospital

April 30th – Denim Day!

Join InterAct’s Solace Center, NC Chapter of the International Association of Forensic Nurses (NCIAFN), and UNC Forensic Nursing Team for Denim Day—our biggest SAAM event—on April 30 from 2–5 p.m. at Local 919 Beer & Wine (1540 Dunn Rd., Suite 170, Raleigh).

The public is welcome to attend and participate in these events.

Have questions? Contact us at “sexualassaultcenter@interactofwake.org.”

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.

See the bigger picture (pdf)

Risk and Protective Factors (pdf)

InterAct’s Solace Center brochure (pdf)

Sexual assault resources.
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How You Can Help InterAct Provide Services

Give online using the “Give” button, by scanning the QR below, or text to donate! Just text INTERACT to 366283.

Sign up and stay informed with our InterAct Monthly Newsletter by clicking the “Stay In Touch” button below.

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Financial information about this organization may be requested by contacting InterAct’s Chief Development Officer, Walker Mabe at walkerm@interactofwake.org or by calling 919-867-6722.

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