What are SAAM and CAPM?
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
“April 2026 marks the official 25th anniversary of NSVRC’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month — but did you know we can trace its history even longer?
Even before its official declaration, SAAM was about both awareness and prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. Looking at the history of the movement to end sexual violence, it’s clear why: It’s impossible to prevent an issue no one knows about, and it’s difficult to make people aware of a problem without providing a solution. The two work in tandem, and they always have. From the civil rights movement to the founding of the first rape crisis centers to national legislation and beyond, the roots of SAAM run deep.
Monumental changes like VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) demonstrated that national efforts promoting sexual violence prevention were needed. Even before SAAM was first nationally observed in 2001, advocates had been holding events, marches, and observances related to sexual violence during the month of April, sometimes during a week-long “Sexual Assault Awareness Week.”
In an effort to further coordinate awareness and prevention efforts, in 2000, the newly launched National Sexual Violence Resource Center and the Resource Sharing Project polled sexual violence coalitions. They asked organizations about their preferred color, symbol, and month for sexual assault awareness activities. The results showed that those in the movement preferred a teal ribbon as a symbol for sexual assault awareness, and SAAM as we know it was born.”
– NSVRC (National Sexual Violence Resource Center)
Child Abuse Prevention Month
“During the month of April, we recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month (NCAPM) and the importance of communities working together to help families thrive and prevent child maltreatment. Throughout the year, communities are encouraged to increase awareness about child and family well-being and work together to implement effective strategies that support families and prevent child abuse and neglect.”
– U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
How Can You Spread Awareness?
- Check out our social media sites everyday
- Participate on specific days/weeks in April
- Day of Action – April 7, 2026 – WEAR TEAL
- The first Tuesday of every April is the SAAM Day of Action. The Day of Action is an opportunity to start off the month with highly visible and coordinated actions. Chances are someone in your life is a survivor of sexual harassment, assault, or abuse, even if they have never shared their story with you. Show your support for survivors of sexual harassment and abuse by wearing teal — the color of sexual violence prevention — on April 7th and post a selfie to Facebook or Instagram using #SAAM2026. By wearing teal, you’re signaling that you support survivors, and are a safe person to talk to if they need to reach out.
- Wear Blue Day 2026 – April 10, 2026 – WEAR BLUE
- Recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month and show your support for the essential work needed in your community and across the country to ensure a better, safer future for all children. Wear blue on April 10th, take a selfie and post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok with #WearBlueDay2026 on April 10th! Don’t forget to tag BeLEAF on social media!
- Day of Silence – April 10, 2026 – REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE, JOIN AN EVENT
- 2026 marks the 30th year of the first Day of Silence. Originally held by students at the University of Virginia, in response to the bullying and harassment of LGBTQ+ students, it has grown to a national day of action pushing back against the silencing of LGBTQ+ youth and the erasure of their experiences. In our deepening cultural and political divide, LGBTQ+ students are more directly targeted than ever before. From harmful legislation to erasing LGBTQ+ history from school curriculum, it is now more important than ever to take a step back and let our communities know what it feels like when we are stripped of our voices.
- National Crime Victims Rights Week – April 19-25, 2026
- Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) has challenged the Nation to confront and remove barriers to achieve justice for all victims of crime. During NCVRW, we recognize the accomplishments of the victims’ rights movement and reflect on how far we have come. Every April, The Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime, leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of NCVRW. In 2026, we will observe NCVRW on April 19–25, with the theme—Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.
- Denim Day – April 29, 2026 – WEAR DENIM, TAKE THE PLEDGE
- On April 29th, millions of people across the world will wear jeans with a purpose, support survivors, and educate themselves and others about all forms of sexual violence. Denim Day asks community members, elected officials, businesses and students to make a social statement with their fashion statement by wearing jeans on this day as a visible means of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual violence.
- Digital Action Day – April 14, 2026 – FIND AND CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES
- On April 14th (or any day) contact your member of Congress to advocate for legislation that supports vulnerable individuals (including children) and increases funding for programs that prevent abuse. Prevent Child Abuse American makes it easy at their Policy Action Center. Make your voice heard.
- Day of Action – April 7, 2026 – WEAR TEAL
- Participate in #30daysofsaam Instagram contest
- BeLEAF has participated in NSVRC’s #30daysofsaam in past years, and you might just see some posts from us this year too. Maybe you want to join in the fun! Each day has a specific prompt to answer.
- Join in on a local event in Racine
- Plant a Pinwheel – March 28, 2026 – 11AM
- Since 2008, Pinwheels for Prevention® gardens have been raising awareness and support for policies and programs that enable children, families, and communities to thrive. These gardens help show everyone the need for positive childhood experiences — and the groundswell of support for their role in preventing child abuse and neglect everywhere. BeLEAF will be planting pinwheels on March 28th – at 11AM at the Racine County Courthouse (730 Wisconsin Ave, Racine).
- Plant a Pinwheel – March 28, 2026 – 11AM
Hosted by BeLEAF
Register here. Walk-ins are also welcome!
BeLEAF’s Instagram
beleafsurvivors.org 