The Beta Lambda Sigma chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. recognizes April as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
National Sexual Assault Awareness Month began in 2001 as an initiative of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center as a way to bring visibility to the the problem of sexual assault and encourage prevention. A teal ribbon is worn during this month to indicate support of victims and dedication to the work necessary to end sexual violence.
The theme for the 2023 National Sexual Assault Awareness Month is “Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity”. According to the official website for the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the goal of this theme is to “call on all individuals, communities, organizations, and institutions to change ourselves and systems surrounding us to build racial equity and respect.” Intersections between racism, sexism, and other forms of bigotry are examined from the perspective of how they contribute to the rates of sexual assault and how certain populations, such as women of color, are more vulnerable to experience sexual assault and abuse.
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center sponsors the social media campaign #30DaysOfSAAM this year to give supporters a chance to share photos, words of encouragement for victims, and examples of activism that they are doing in their communities around the issue of sexual violence. Supporters can participate in the social media campaign on Instagram by posting according to the prompts listed here:
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. participates in Denim Day, a day for supporters of sexual assault victims to stand in solidarity with them by wearing jeans or other denim clothing on that day. Denim Day for 2023 will be on April 26.
To find resources about how to help family, friends, and other loved ones who are suffering from the effects of sexual violence, please visit the official website of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center at https://www.nsvrc.org/.