April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and HelpLine’s Sexual Assault & Victim Services (SAVS), in collaboration with the HelpLine Prevention Department, is leading a community-wide effort to promote this year’s theme: “Start by Believing.”
Originally developed by End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI), the Start by Believing campaign challenges harmful victim-blaming attitudes and emphasizes the critical role that supportive, affirming responses play when survivors disclose sexual assault. The campaign encourages individuals, organizations, and communities to respond with belief, compassion, and action, helping pave the way toward healing and justice.
This year marks a strengthened, collaborative approach as HelpLine SAVS and the Prevention Department unite their expertise to expand outreach, education, and community engagement efforts throughout April.
Click here to view the SAAM event calendar or see below for the full list. SAAM proclamations will occur throughout the five-county service area throughout the month. To view the list of city and village councils that will proclaim SAAM, click here.
- April 7 - SAAM Day of Action: Wear Teal
Community members are encouraged to wear teal to show support for survivors and raise awareness about sexual violence prevention. - April 8 - Wear Blue for Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness
A complementary awareness effort highlighting the intersection of prevention and early intervention. - April 14 - HelpLine Sexual Assault Awareness Network (SARN) Community Awareness & Action Event (6–8 PM)
An evening of awareness and action, highlighting “Start by Believing” will feature guest speaker Superintendent Bruce Pijanowski, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and provide education, resources, and opportunities for community involvement. The event will be held at HelpLine, 118 Stover Drive, Suite B, Delaware. - April 28 - Denim Day at Ohio Wesleyan University (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM)
HelpLine SARN will partner with Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) to host a campus awareness event featuring educational activities, resources, and survivor support messaging. The event will be on the OWU Jaywalk in front of the Hamilton-Williams Campus Center.
Donate by texting HLSAAM2026 to 41444 or click the button below:
SAAM Resources
Originally developed by End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI), the Start by Believing campaign challenges harmful victim-blaming attitudes and emphasizes the critical role that supportive, affirming responses play when survivors disclose sexual assault. The campaign encourages individuals, organizations, and communities to respond with belief, compassion, and action, helping pave the way toward healing and justice.
Below are resources to help support survivors or actions you can take in your community to end sexual violence:
Sexual Assault Response Network (SARN)
The Sexual Assault Response Network (SARN) provides emotional support, crisis intervention, and advocacy for sexual assault survivors in Delaware, Morrow, Crawford, Wyandot, and Union counties.
SARN serves survivors of all ages, genders, and identities. SARN offers:
- Free and confidential 24/7 crisis hotline and text line
- 24/7 in-person support by advocates at hospitals and law enforcement agencies
- Healing workshops and support groups
- Support for survivors and their support people
- Support and resources for adults supporting youth survivors
You are not Alone. We believe you. Sexual assault is not your fault. Remember, it’s never too late to get help.
Call our support and information line at 1.800.684.2324 and 211 or text helpline to 89821. You can also call our suicide and crisis lifeline, 988.
VOLUNTEER WITH US
To volunteer with us as a SARN advocate, please complete the application here. For more information, contact Christina Jones at cjones@helplinedelmor.org.
