April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month!
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a time for individuals and organizations to raise public awareness about sexual harassment, assault, and abuse, and to educate communities on how we can work together to prevent it.
This year, we are calling on our community to start the conversation. Talk openly about sexual assault, learn about available resources, and find ways to support survivors in our community.
Education, awareness, and compassion are powerful tools for change. By informing ourselves and standing together, we can help create safer communities where survivors are believed, supported, and empowered. If you or someone you know needs support, help is available.
Together, we can raise awareness, support survivors, and work toward a future free from sexual violence.
What is Sexual Violence?
Sexual violence is an umbrella term that includes any type of unwanted sexual contact — including sexual assault, harassment, and abuse.
Forms of sexual violence include:
- Rape or sexual assault
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual abuse
- Unwanted sexual contact/touching
- Sexual exploitation and trafficking,
- Exposing one’s genitals or naked body to others without consent,
- Nonconsensual image sharing
- Words and actions of a sexual nature against a person’s will and without their consent
- Sexual violence represents a range of behaviors
How Can You Help?
KNOW MORE
Understanding the warning signs or red flags for domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse is a critical first step in addressing and preventing these crimes.
STAND WITH SURVIVORS
If someone discloses that they have or are being abused let them know that the abuse is not their fault. It may be difficult for them to talk about the abuse but you don’t need to be an expert, you just need to be a friend. Reassure them that they are not alone, they are not to blame for what happened and that there is help and support out there. Help them to contact Operation Care at 209-223-2600 for an advocate to support their needs and safety.
SPEAK UP
Challenge comments that blame the victim for what has happened to them by letting your friends know that blaming the victim is inappropriate and offensive and encouraging them to consider why society questions the victim’s behavior rather than the perpetrator’s behavior. Learn how you can safely step in and speak up when you’re witnessing behavior that may put someone in danger.
We encourage Amador County residents to participate by wearing teal, the national color for SAAM, and to help us promote sexual assault awareness during the month of April by joining us in any or all of the following ways:
Wear Teal Color:
Teal is the national color of sexual assault awareness month. Operation Care encourages community members to wear teal during the month of April to spread awareness and begin the discussion about sexual assault.
Baskets filled with SAAM items can be found at various locations throughout the county. Spread the word and invite your friends and family to show their support by speaking up against sexual violence.
For the locations of the baskets or if you are interested in having a baskets of sexual assault awareness items at your business or office please contact our us at 209.223.2897 and we will gladly provide FREE teal sexual assault awareness items!
Join Us April 29, 2026 for Denim Day:
- Operation Care encourages the community to wear jeans on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, to raise awareness about sexual assault and show support for victims of sexual assault. Denim Day was established in 1996 when a rape case was overturned by the Italian Supreme Court. In this case, the perpetrator, who had been previously convicted for sexual assault, argued that because the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped the perpetrator take off her pants during her assault, therefore making it consensual. This decision created a widespread campaign known as “Denim Day” in which jeans are worn on the last Wednesday of April to protest sexual violence. Learn more about denim day here.
April 19-25, 2026
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
The theme this year is Listen! Act! and Advocate!
For more information on National Crime Victims’ Rights Week CLICK HERE
