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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

Woman with child eating jam on toast

Providing basic necessities for our clients 24/7/365.

InterAct’s pantry provides the immediate and basic needs of the clients we serve. Our pantry provides these items to our clients, so they do not have to worry about ensuring their basic needs (food, clothing, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, etc.) are met while under our direct care.

Survivors of domestic/intimate partner violence can be from any gender identity or sexual orientation. Our focus is on ensuring inclusive representation of gender-based violence (GBV) survivors across diverse gender, racial, ethnic, religious, and sexual orientation spectrums.

Thank you for donating these in-kind items as an individual, a group, or through a food drive. We cannot support our clients without YOU.

Below is a complete list of needed items. There is also an Amazon list of urgently needed items.

If you are unsure of how, or what to donate, please contact us at info@interactofwake.org.

Did you know that when people arrive at InterAct and are in a crisis, they may be alone or with their children? As they’re leaving a domestic violence situation, they may only arrive with the clothes on their backs and whatever they can carry. Last year, InterAct provided emergency shelter for 204 people, an increase from the previous year. InterAct provides them with food, emergency shelter, counselors, and support. We ensure they have what they need to feel safe in these critical moments. If you are looking for ways to help, you can: 🥣 Host a food drive. 🫧 Host a fundraiser. 💜 Volunteer. 🕶️ Advocate and learn more.

Did you know that when people arrive at InterAct and are in a crisis, they may be alone or with their children? As they’re leaving a domestic violence situation, they may only arrive with the clothes on their backs and whatever they can carry.

Last year, InterAct provided emergency shelter for 204 people, an increase from the previous year. InterAct provides them with food, emergency shelter, counselors, and support.

We ensure they have what they need to feel safe in these critical moments. YOUR donations allow us to do that!

Calling on individuals, churches, groups, and corporations! YOU can help us “Feed the Need!“

🥣 Host a food or basic needs drive.

🫧 Host a fundraiser.

Bring your donations to InterAct, located at 1012 Oberlin Road, Raleigh.

Are you interested in a corporate fundraising event to boost team morale or improve or enhance teamwork? Host a donation drive for food or other basic needs items.

Contact donations@interactofwake.org to get involved.

If you have a large pantry donation to drop-off, we request for you to call us at 919-828-7501 to schedule a drop off time.

InterAct’s Necessities Pantry – Supplied by YOU!

InterAct food pantry. Shelves with foo, boxes and cans. A shopping cart is positioned in front of the shelves.
Image of pantry at InterAct. Various food items, including granola bars.

Items that are always needed - Start a "Need" Drive Today!

Breakfast

Easy to make.

  • Grits
  • Oatmeal
  • Whole grain cereals
  • Pancake/waffle mix

Proteins

Canned or shelf-sustainable.

  • Tuna fish
  • Chicken
  • Lentils
  • Beans
  • Nut butters (Peanut butter, almond butter, sun butter, etc.

Whole Grain Pasta and Rice

Easy to heat meals.

  • Macaroni-cheese
  • Lentils
  • Rice pilaf
  • Noodles
  • Pasta sauce
  • Canned soups

    Healthy Snacks

      • Granola bars
      • Raisins
      • Individually packaged nuts/mixes
      • Fruit pouches
      • Packets of snack crackers

    Children’s Items

    • Baby Bottles
    • Baby Lotion
    • Baby Shampoo
    • Baby Body Wash
    • Baby Wipes
    • Diapers Diaper
    • Rash Cream
    • Pull-Ups
    • Gender-neutral underwear
    • Gender-specific underwear
    • Various types and sizes of undergarments for all genders
    • Socks

     

    Hygiene Products

    Full sized products only.

    • Body Wash
    • Bar Soap
    • Brushes & Combs
    • Shampoo Conditioner
    • African American Hair Care
    • Deodorant
    • Lotion
    • Shaving Razors
    • Shaving Cream
    • Mouthwash
    • Toothbrushes
    • Toothpaste
    • Dental Floss
    • Tampons
    • Sanitary Napkins

    Household Items

    • Tissues
    • Ziploc Bags (all sizes)
    • Trash Bags
    • Aluminum Foil
    • Plastic Wrap
    • Kitchen and Bath Towels
    • Washcloths
    • Bedding Sheet Sets
    • Mattress Covers
    • First Aid Kits

    Gift Cards/Passes

    • Tracfone
    • Prepaid Minute Cards
    • Drugstores
    • Target/Walmart
    • Gas Stations
    • Grocery Stores
    • Go Raleigh Bus Pass

    Miscellaneous Items

    • Gender-neutral underwear
    • Gender-specific underwear
    • Various types and sizes of undergarments for all genders
    • Socks
    Pass it On Thrift store logo. 90 cents of every dollar spent on merchandise is provided to support InterAct's services.

    Pass it On Thrift Store

    Raleigh or Fuquay-Varina, NC

    General Clothing Donations

    If you have clothing donations, please make arrangements to drop off your donation in advance by emailing passiton@interactofwake.org for an appointment.

    Looking up at hands holding hands.

    How You Can Help InterAct Provide Services

    Domestic and sexual acts of violence affect our communities in many ways. InterAct relies on the generosity of our community to support life-saving and life-changing services for survivors. Your support, in any way, helps end the cycle of violence in our community.

    Give online using the “Give” button 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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    76% increase in forensic exams between 2021-22 and 2022-23.

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