April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and Child Abuse Prevention Month (CAPM). This year’s SAAM theme from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center is, “Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity.” Victims and survivors deserve to have equitable access to services, programs and advocacy that meets their needs. The voices of those who have been victimized must be in every conversation that builds or funds services and programs. Ask, don’t tell, those who are to be served what they need.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ theme for CAPM 2023 is, “Doing Things Differently: Moving from the Challenge to the Change.” When we invest in healthy children, we are investing in healthy communities. We all play a part in creating the world we want for ourselves and our children, now and in the future.

This month is filled with community events to raise awareness and show support for victims and survivors for child sexual abuse and sexual violence. Remember to wear teal or blue, and you can pick up free ribbons at our main office/crisis center and at Closet To Closet, all month long. Share your photos wearing teal on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, and remember to tag us! Visit our What’s Happening page to view our April calendar and for more information on theme dates, events and activities.

There are two special events happening on Wednesday, April 5th! It’s also National Poetry Month and April’s edition of Let’s Talk: EEEEzing Into Change will focus on healing and poetry, with guest poet, Jaden Gonzalez. Listen in Wednesday, April 5th at 2:00 p.m. AST, on 95.1FM – Isle 95 or catch our livestream on Facebook – @wcstx. Let’s talk! The VI Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Council’s Ride Out Against Sexual Assault will be held on St. Croix, starting at 6:00 p.m. Grab your bike and ride out!