April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  Everyone has a role to play in ending sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. Sexual Violence is any action of a sexual nature which is non-consensual and is accomplished through threat, coercion, exploitation, deceit, force, physical or mental incapacitation, and/or power of authority.

Anyone can experience SV, but most victims are women. The perpetrators of this violence are typically men and usually someone known to the victim. However, individuals in same sex relationships can be victims and perpetrators of sexual violence.

Sexual harassment, assault, and abuse can happen anywhere, including in online spaces. For too long harassment, cyberbullying, and sexual abuse and exploitation have come to be expected as typical and unavoidable behaviors online. That is why Building Safe Online Spaces Together is the theme for #SAAM2022. Building Safe Online Spaces Together is possible when we practice digital consent, intervene when we see harmful content and behaviors, and promote online communities that value respect, inclusion, and safety. 

For more information on how you can keep yourself and loved ones safe, please visit nsvrc.org/saam/2022/learn