What is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is an annual campaign to raise awareness and teach prevention to inviduals and communities about sexual assault. SAAM is recognized every April at UC Merced and in communities nationwide.
History
In 2001, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) coordinated the first formally recognized national Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign, and still facilitates it today. In 2005, the campaign shifted to prevention of sexual violence and the first tool kits were sent out to coalitions and rape crisis centers across the country. Awareness for the campaign culminated in 2009 when Barack Obama was the first president to officially proclaim April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Color
Teal is the official color that represent SAAM and is used throughout the month to symbolize the solidarity and unity in the movement.
