April 1, 2021 – The South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA), South Carolina’s leading voice for the prevention of sexual and domestic violence, is raising awareness, ramping up prevention efforts, and pushing for change this Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) 2021.

SAAM takes place during the month of April to increase public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how it can be prevented. South Carolina is building on the national theme, “We Can Build Safe Online Spaces,” led by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) reminding us that sexual harassment, assault, and abuse can happen anywhere, including in online spaces. According to NSVRC, “Even though the abuse occurs behind a screen, the impact on the victim, their loved ones, and the community can be just as harmful as sexual violence committed in person.” 

In addition to being aware of the importance of building safe online spaces, SCCADVASA is encouraging individuals, teens, parents and educators to get involved in addressing sexual violence in their communities, because everyone has a role to play in ending sexual violence.

“Over the past few months, a number of high-profile women have come forward with personal stories of survival, including our very own Senator Mia McLeod. And despite tireless efforts to change our cultural norms, survivors continue to be met with skepticism, disbelief or dismissal” said Sara Barber, SCCADVASA Executive Director. “From prevention efforts, to actively working eradicate rape culture, to believing survivors — we will never experience a South Carolina free from domestic and sexual violence unless each and every one of us does our part.”

With the recent launch of its “Level Up for Change” website, a resource hub of prevention tools to end sexual violence among teens, and the “What it means to ‘Be A Man’ in 2021” art contest, SCCADVASA is seeking out new and innovative ways to get SC teens engaged – because education on healthy relationships and consent creates a foundation that can aid in preventing intimate partner violence during teenage years and into adulthood.

As we begin Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2021, we must also acknowledge that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to magnify the trauma experienced by survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Providing support for survivors remains critical and victims/survivors are encouraged to reach out to local victim service providers for assistance.

SCCADVASA is calling on individuals and communities to show support for survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence during the entire month of April 2021 by doing any of the following:

1. Turn your timelines on social media teal for the month of April. Teal is the official color of SAAM and represents support for survivors of sexual violence.
2. Follow SCCADVASA’s social media channels (@sccadvasa on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and help amplify our message of support for survivors.
3. Tuesday, April 6^th is SAAM Day of Action, wear teal clothing and take a selfie. Share it on all your social media accounts with #SAAM2021.
4. Participate in the #30DaysofSAAM Challenge.
5. Participate in Denim Day on Wednesday, April 28^th by wearing denim and share it to social media to take a stand against victim-blaming.
6. Remember that change starts with you. Visit www.levelupforchange.org to learn how to prevent sexual violence among teens and https://www.nsvrc.org for additional prevention resources.

To learn more about SCCADVASA and ways to support survivors visit www.sccadvasa.org. 

About SCCADVASA:

The South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA) serves as the collective voice promoting the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault in South Carolina. Our vision is a South Carolina free from domestic violence and sexual assault. Our statewide coalition is made up of the 22 sexual assault and domestic violence direct service and advocacy programs in South Carolina and other allied organizations. Since 1981, SCCADVASA has been a leader in representing the critical needs of survivors and their families. Our dedicated staff advance our work through advocacy, education, and collaboration. Learn more at www.sccadvasa.org. 

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