For Immediate Release: March 31, 2022

The City of Alexandria will recognize National Sexual Assault Awareness Month 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. This includes 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. Survivors may experience a range of emotional, psychological and physical reactions. Whether the sexual assault happened recently or years ago, it can impede daily functioning. 

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

• The Naval Support Washington Sexual Assault Prevention & Response (SAPR) is partnering with the City to host the second annual Virtual SAPR 5K from April 4 to 10 
• “Embrace Your Voice,” a virtual poetry share, will be held 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 their support for survivors of sexual assault by wearing teal on Sexual Assault Awareness Day of Action on April 6 and wearing jeans on Denim Day on April 27.
• Local coffee shops—St. Elmo’s, Café de Soleil, and Swings Coffee Roasters—will use Sexual Assault Awareness Month coffee sleeves throughout the month to encourage coffee drinkers in need to access help.

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. Either call the hotline to access these and additional services or visit alexandriava.gov/SexualViolence. In case of an emergency, and for life-threatening situations, always call 911. 

For more information, including events and activities, and to learn how to participate, visit alexandriava.gov/SexualViolence or call the Alexandria Sexual Assault Hotline at 703.683.7273. 

For inquiries from the news media only, contact Andrea Blackford, Editorial Communications Manager, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959. 

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This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/3504.