Every April, the country recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). This year, RAINN led efforts to bring attention to these crimes and the ways communities can prevent them.

“SAAPM is a great time to elevate this important national conversation,” said Jodi Omear, RAINN’s vice president of communications. “Every year I'm impressed and inspired by the individuals and communities who come together and put their hearts into making a positive change."

This year, SAAPM took place amid a national conversation about sexual harassment and assault sparked by the #MeToo movement. Devoting the entire month to raising awareness by sharing information, videos, graphics, comics and more reminds us that sexual violence affects every community in America—and it’s up to all of us to do something about it. People across the country stood with survivors and took the RAINN pledge to do their part to end sexual violence.

“It’s important for survivors to know that they are not alone—that there are people who believe and support them,” said Omear. “Help is available 24/7 on the National Sexual Assault Hotline by calling 800-656-HOPE or logging on to online.rainn.org.”

To kick off SAAPM, campuses across the country recognized RAINN Day on April 5. This grassroots program is a day of action to raise awareness and educate students about sexual violence, and this year, students and administrators came together to host speakers, hold fundraisers and stand in solidarity against sexual violence.

RAINN’s efforts didn’t end there; hundreds took to the road to run and walk in RAINN’s fifth annual Lace Up for RAINN 5K on April 21. The virtual Lace Up for RAINN 5K raised funds for critical services like the National Sexual Assault Hotline and to bring awareness of sexual violence to communities across the nation.

SAAPM is a great opportunity for communities across the country to come together to raise awareness and be proactive in preventing sexual assault, but these efforts don’t stop once April comes to a close. To continue to educate your community about sexual assault and sexual harassment and stand up for survivors all year long, get involved.