The Office on Violence Against Women recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year’s theme “It’s Time…to get involved,” encourages everyone to learn about and support the ongoing work addressing the national prevalence of sexual assault. It is no longer acceptable to keep silent and be passive about this crime. We all have a role to play in ending it.

This month my staff and I are joining our partners in events around the country to talk about sexual assault – how it affects young and old, in urban and rural communities, people of all backgrounds and gender, to give full support to victims and their families, and to encourage victims to seek help. You, too, can get involved by educating your loved ones, your neighbors and your colleagues that sexual violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated any longer.

During the month of April I encourage you to learn more about the crime of sexual assault and its impact on our communities. We must bring attention to this issue, help victims become survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable.

With deep respect and gratitude,

Susan B. Carbon
OVW Director
U.S. Department of Justice

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please call the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network at 800–656–HOPE (800–656–4673) to be connected to the rape crisis center nearest to you or visit www.rainn.org for more information. You can also contact the National Sexual Violence Resource Center at 1-877-739-3895 or www.nsvrc.org.

For additional information on sexual assault and resources for April, please visit any of the following organizations:

Aequitas
End Violence Against Women International
International Association of Chiefs of Police
Men Can Stop Rape
Mending the Sacred Hoop
National Alliance to End Sexual Violence
National Sexual Violence Resource Center
National Center for Victims of Crime
Rape Abuse Incest National Network
Resource Sharing Project
Sister of Color Ending Sexual Assault
Vision of Hope

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