April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is a month dedicated to sexual assault prevention, education, and awareness. It’s a time to empower and support survivors. For the team at LBDRR, a group of dedicated attorneys committed to supporting survivors of sexual assault, sexual assault awareness is something that merits discussion not just during the month of April. Awareness, prevention, and support for survivors need to happen daily, as well as systemic support for survivors given the frequency with which it occurs.
Sexual Assault Statistics
- Someone is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
- More than half of all women and nearly one-third of men in the U.S. have experienced sexual violence. (National Sexual Violence Resource Center)
- Nearly one in four girls and one in 20 boys in the U.S. experience child sexual abuse. (National Sexual Violence Resource Center)
- More than one in four Black women (29%) and one in three Hispanic women (34.8%) report experiencing sexual violence. (National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey)
- Over four in five American Indian and Alaska Native women (84.3%) have experienced sexual violence. (National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey)
- 47% of all transgender individuals have been sexually assaulted. (National Center for Transgender Equality)
- 32.9% of adults with intellectual disabilities have been victims of sexual violence. (International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health)
Given these alarming numbers, it is essential that all of us continue speaking out and supporting survivors. We must work together to break the silence, dismantle harmful systems, and ensure justice for survivors.
Taking Action During Sexual Assault Awareness Month
This year’s SAAM theme, “United to Prevent Sexual Violence,” calls on all of us to take an active role in prevention. One key event is the Sexual Assault Awareness Month Day of Action on April 1, 2025, which serves as a national opportunity to raise awareness and stand in solidarity with survivors.
Ways to Participate in Sexual Assault Awareness Month:
- Wear Teal on April 1st – The color of sexual violence prevention. Post a selfie using #SAAM2025 to show solidarity.
- Engage on Social Media – Use #SAAM2025, #UnitedToPrevent, and #30DaysofSAAM to spread awareness.
- Change Your Zoom Background – Show your support virtually with SAAM-themed backgrounds.
- Attend Events – Join local and national events throughout the month.
The Call to Action
Sexual violence is a systemic issue that requires a united response. As attorneys, advocates, and citizens, we must work tirelessly to dismantle a system that silences survivors and shields perpetrators. Sexual Assault Awareness Month is not just about raising awareness—it’s about taking meaningful action to create lasting change.
How Civil Law Can Help Survivors
While criminal law seeks to punish perpetrators, civil law provides a path for survivors to seek justice, accountability, and compensation for the harm they have endured. Survivors of sexual assault and abuse often face lifelong emotional, physical, and financial challenges. Filing a civil lawsuit can help recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, therapy costs, and the pain and suffering they have endured. Holding perpetrators and institutions accountable through civil litigation can also prevent future harm to others.
At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we stand with survivors and fight relentlessly to ensure they receive the justice they deserve. Our team of former prosecutors and experienced trial attorneys have dedicated their careers to advocating for victims of sexual violence. We understand the courage it takes to come forward, and we are here to guide survivors through the legal process with compassion, respect, and an unwavering commitment to their rights.
Join us this April in standing up, speaking out, and taking action to prevent sexual violence and support survivors. If you or someone you know needs legal assistance, we are here to help. Call 215-399-9255.