HelpLine Recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in April
March 19, 2025
HelpLine Recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in April
Delaware, OH – This April, HelpLine Sexual Assault Response Network (SARN) and Prevention Departments will bring attention to the widespread issue of sexual violence and empower communities to act as a part of its annual SAAM campaign. This year’s theme, “Together We Act, United We Change,” highlights the power of working together to create safer, more respectful environments for all.
Central to the campaign is the importance of amplifying the voices of survivors, especially those most vulnerable in our communities. Uplifting and acknowledging survivor experiences will guide in our efforts to combat sexual violence in all its forms.
“Sexual violence, or any type unwanted sexual contact — including sexual abuse, assault, and harassment, impacts individuals of every background,” said Christina Jones, HelpLine Sexual Assault and Victim Services Director.
Dyesha Darby, HelpLine School-Based and Community Prevention Director, added that we must promote education around consent, healthy communication, and bystander intervention. When we equip individuals and communities with these tools, we can help prevent violence before it starts and foster a culture of safety, respect and care, “said Darby.
During the month of April, SARN and Violence Prevention is increasing their involvement in the community to provide resources at a variety of community events. Please join us for the following activities to support survivors of sexual assault:
- 4/1 – SAAM Day of Action: Wear Teal day for survivors of sexual assault. #SAAM2025 #HelpLineSARN
- 4/5 – Child Abuse Prevention Month Family Fun Day, 9 a.m. to noon, Trillium Event Center, 1630 E Southern Ave, Bucyrus, OH
- 4/9 – Wear Blue for Child Abuse and Prevention Awareness. #OhioWearsBlue2025 #HelpLineSARN
- 4/23 – Denim Day, Ohio Wesleyan University, Hamilton Williams Campus Center (Jaywalk) #DenimDay2025 #SAAM2025 #HelpLineSARN
Additionally, several cities, villages and township councils will proclaim April as SAAM, while also recognizing the Day of No Silence – bringing attention to the harassment and bullying faced by anyone. Proclamations will be presented during the regularly scheduled council proceedings. Please check our social media accounts @helplinedelmor for dates and times.
“Everyone in our communities deserves to live in safe and supportive environments where they are treated with respect,” said Jones.
Darby agreed and commented, “When our workplaces, schools, and communities work together to uphold safety and respect, we make progress in preventing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment”. Jones continued by stating, “Creating a world where everyone is safe, valued and respected will take all of us.”
Beyond SAAM activities this April, HelpLine leads a wide range of initiatives and services to
support sexual assault survivors of all ages and identities, mainly through its trauma-informed
SARN program offered in Delaware, Morrow, Crawford, Wyandot and Union counties. SARN offers healing workshops, one-one-one crisis intervention and advocacy – regardless of when the assault occurred – and victim services. Additionally, trained SARN advocates are available to assist survivors at the hospital and with law enforcement immediately following an assault, and connect survivors to resources at HelpLine and in the broader community.
The HelpLine Prevention Department has delivered suicide and violence prevention programming in Delaware and Morrow County schools for more than 20 years. More recently, the HelpLine violence prevention team launched Youth-Led Councils in both counties to inspire students to create solutions for a better, safer and healthier community. All classroom programming meets best practice or promising program standards, and the objectives of Erin’s Law (SB 288) and the Safety and Violence Education (SAVE) Students Act (HB 123).
Our programming uses discussion and other interactive activities to teach students the age-appropriate knowledge and skills necessary to confidently recognize and safely respond to signs of depression and suicidal thoughts, abuse, harassment, and sexual violence. Moreover, all of our programming helps connect students with local resources and confidently reach out to the trusted and “askable” adults in their own lives, including parents, teachers, and school counselors.
To learn more about SAAM events, visit https://helplinedelmor.org/crisis-services/saam/. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact SARN on our 24/7, free and confidential crisis and support hotline at 1.800.684.2324 or text helpline to 898211.
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About HelpLine
As the community’s only 24/7 resource, we are the go-to for supporting and empowering change. Our highly trained specialists offer compassionate support to help meet the needs of anyone in crisis, connecting them with the right resources and empowering them to thrive. Our prevention programs address suicide and depression, sexual assault, child sexual abuse and family violence to influence change in our community. These programs are rooted in our relationships with local non-profits and agencies, giving us the connections and knowledge to get community members the support, education, and volunteer opportunities they’re looking for. For more information, visit: helplinedelmor.org
Contact:
Tamika Vinson, Marketing and Development Director
HelpLine
P: 740.363.1835, ext. 305
F: 740.369.0358
E: tvinson@helplinedelmor.org
W: helplinedelmor.org