A little history of RCC to honor 25 years of SAAM. It began in 1970 with a local crisis hotline. In 1972, the crisis line had a higher volume of calls from survivors of sexual violence. The Rape Task Force was funded in 1980. We were officially named the Rape Crisis Center in 1985.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
For 25 years, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) has united survivors, advocates, and communities in the shared commitment to end sexual assault, abuse, and harassment. This milestone is both a celebration of progress and a call to keep moving forward.
The theme “25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward” honors the history and growth of the movement while reaffirming our commitment to a safer future for all. Looking back, we remember the survivors and advocates who laid the foundation for change. Moving forward, we renew our focus on prevention, healing, and action. The goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities on how to prevent it. Sexual violence is a public health issue. We need everyone’s help to end it.
Thank you for getting involved and for supporting SAAM efforts. Scroll down for our local upcoming events.
Visit National Sexual Violence Resource Center at https://www.nsvrc.org/saam for more resources.
Local Upcoming SAAM Events...
SAAM Kickoff at RCC
April 1st 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Stop by the office on Wednesday, April 1 between 10:00 and 1:00 pm for an office tour, meet and greet with staff and therapy dogs, resources, and grab a coffee from the Restored Coffee truck!
Coastal Horizons RCC, 2250 Shipyard Blvd, Suite 15, Wilmington, NC 28403
Day of Action: WEAR TEAL TUESDAY
April 7th
Show your support for survivors of sexual harassment and abuse by wearing teal — the color of sexual violence prevention.
Azalea Festival Street Fair
April 11th and 12th 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Stop by our booth during the Azalea Festival Street Fair downtown Wilmington to pick up information and awesome RCC swag.
YMCA Healthy Kids Day at Empie Park
April 18th 9:30am - 1:00pm
Come visit out table at Healthy Kids Day presented by the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina. A FREE family fun day that promotes healthy and active living!
RCC Volunteer Spotlight for National Volunteer Week!
April 19th-25th
Check out our social media @supportrcc. Thank you volunteers! We really appreciate you.
Day of Action: DENIM DAY
April 29th
Denim Day was developed as a way to generate awareness that what you wear does not warrant someone else to sexually assault you. Join the movement and wear denim to support survivors!
Survivors Support Group
April 13th and April 22nd
Ongoing support group for individuals who have experienced sexual violence. Meet in the evening on the second Monday and fourth Wednesday of every month. Located at New Hanover Coastal Horizons RCC office.
SAAM Nights @ Local Breweries
April Dates: tbd
Join us at a few local breweries for SAAM night. Grab a pint, stop by our RCC table for some swag and resources!
UNCW Speak Out Event for students and faculty
April Date: tbd
SAAM Proclamations for April at the local County Commissioners Meetings
Dates: tbd
SAAM Outreach Box Distribution
RCC staff will be dropping off swag boxes to our local participating bars and breweries and community partner agencies during the last week of March and first week of April!
If you are interested in hosting a popup RCC table for SAAM, please reach out to our Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator at [email protected].