A DCHS CONNECT HIGHLIGHT

April 7, 2022- The City of Alexandria is recognizing National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) throughout April with a series of events and activities to support survivors and engage the community in prevention efforts. 

Sexual assault is a crime that occurs when a person is forced, threatened or coerced into sexual contact or attention without their consent, including when they are unable to consent due to age, illness, disability or the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Examples include fondling, forced sexual contact, indecent exposure, rape, partner rape, statutory rape, sodomy, voyeurism, obscene phone calls, child sexual abuse, incest, ritual abuse, sexual exploitation and sexual harassment. 

Sexual assault happens in all communities to people of any age and gender, and survivors may experience a range of emotional, psychological and physical reactions. Whether the sexual assault happened recently or years ago, it can impact daily functioning. 

The City’s Sexual Assault Center (SAC) is sponsoring activities and events around the community to raise awareness of sexual assault and support survivors. Highlights include:   

• The Naval Support Washington (NSA) Sexual Assault Prevention & Response (SAPR) is partnering with the City to host the second annual Virtual SAPR 5K from Apr 4-10.  
• Embrace Your Voice, a virtual poetry share, will be held on April 25 at 6:30 p.m. Works written by survivors will be read and shared during this Facebook Live Event at facebook.com/DoorwaysVA.  
• The SAC invites residents to show support of survivors of sexual assault by wearing teal on SAAM Day of Action on April 6 and wearing jeans on Denim Day, April 27.    
• Local coffee shops— St. Elmo’s, Café de Soleil, Swings Coffee Roasters — will use SAAM coffee sleeves throughout the month to encourage coffee drinkers in need to access help. 

For more information about the events and activities, including how to participate, visit alexandriava.gov/SexualViolence.  
 
The Sexual Assault Center offers resources and services for survivors of sexual assault and those supporting survivors, including a 24/7 hotline, individual counseling, support groups, family support, and information and referral services. Call the hotline at 703.683.7273 to access these and additional services or visit alexandriava.gov/SexualViolence. In case of an emergency and for life-threatening situations, always call 911.