Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is observed every April in the United States to raise awareness about sexual violence. The goal of SAAM is to promote safe and healthy relationships and to support and empower survivors of sexual violence.
During SAAM, various events and activities are held to educate the public about the impact of sexual violence and ways to prevent it. SAAM also provides an opportunity for organizations and individuals to come together and show their support for survivors of sexual violence. SAAM was first observed in the United States in 2001, and it has since grown to become an international movement.
The St. Joseph Healthcare Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Program (SAFE) provides care to all those affected by sexual assault and interpersonal violence. SAFE is a comprehensive violence program that provides trauma-informed care for all survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse/neglect, child sexual abuse and dependent adult abuse/neglect.
This month, members of the St. Joseph Healthcare team will be wearing teal ribbons on their badges to help raise awareness and show support for victims of sexual and domestic assault.
There are many ways to raise awareness and show your support during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. St. Joseph Healthcare will be distributing teal ribbons at the front desk in the main lobby of our hospital during the month of April. Any interested member of our community is welcome to stop by and pick one up. You can also register for our annual Commit to Get Fit event, which helps raise funds for our Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Nurse Program.
We can all be part of the solution,” said Kapaldo. “Together, we can raise awareness and let those affected by interpersonal violence know that there are services and resources available to them.”
To learn more about the history of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, please visit: National Sexual Violence Resource Center.
You can also access the following supports and resources:
- SAFE Program
St. Joseph Emergency Care
207-907-3000 - Rape Response Services
1-800-871-7741 - Child Abuse/Neglect (to report)
1.800.452.1999 - Adult and Elder Abuse/Neglect (to report)
1.800.624.8404
Thank you to Quirk Chevrolet for helping St. Joseph Healthcare drive health forward in our community.