April marks a significant milestone in the movement to end sexual violence. April 2026 is the 25th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). For a quarter-century, communities, advocates, and mental health professionals have united to break the silence, support survivors, and push for prevention.
As a psychology practice dedicated to trauma-informed care, we recognize this 25th anniversary—themed “25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward”—as a moment to celebrate the incredible resilience of survivors while reaffirming our commitment to the work that still lies ahead.
Looking Back: 25 Years of Grassroots Progress
Before SAAM was officially recognized in 2001 by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), efforts to address sexual violence were driven by decades of passionate, local activism.
- The 1970s: The first rape crisis centers were founded, laying the groundwork for support.
- 1978: The first "Take Back the Night" marches began, protesting against sexual violence.
- 2001-Present: April became a national, coordinated month to amplify survivor voices and educate communities.
Over the past 25 years, we have seen a massive shift in awareness. We moved from treating sexual assault as a taboo subject to recognizing it as a widespread public health issue that requires collective, proactive solutions.
Moving Forward: The Psychology of Healing and Prevention
While awareness has grown, the need for specialized, trauma-informed care remains urgent. As clinicians, we know that sexual assault impacts a person’s psychological, physical, and social well-being.
The Trauma-Informed Approach
Healing from sexual trauma is not linear. Our practice focuses on empowering survivors by:
- Validating Experiences: Creating a safe, non-judgmental space where survivors are believed.
- Evidence-Based Treatment: Utilizing therapies like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and EMDR to process traumatic memories.
- Regaining Autonomy: Helping survivors rebuild self-esteem and regain control over their lives.
How You Can Participate: #SAAM2026
The 2026 theme emphasizes that every voice matters and every action counts. Here is how you can support this 25th-anniversary milestone:
- Wear Teal (April 7): Wear the color of sexual assault awareness on the SAAM Day of Action to show support for survivors.
- Attend Local Events: Engage in community workshops to learn about consent and prevention.
- Support Survivors: Listen, believe, and validate those who disclose their experiences to you.
- Educate Yourself: Review resources from NSVRC to understand the history and future of the movement.
A Note to Survivors
If you are a survivor of sexual assault, please know that you are not alone. The progress of the last 25 years means there is more support, understanding, and resources available than ever before. Healing is possible, and taking that step—whether through therapy, support groups, or self-care—is an act of profound strength.
Resources:
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673) or RAINN.org
Call or email Barrington Behavioral Health & Wellness.
Phone: 1-888-261-2178
Email: help@barringtonbhw.com
Jackie Young, LCSW
MSW, LCSW
Jackie Young is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker driven by her passion for human rights and social justice.
Focusing on trauma-informed care, Jackie's areas of expertise also encompass mood disorders, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, group therapy, narrative therapy, family therapy, strengths-based, and person-centered therapies.
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