TUCSON, ARIZONA – April 1, 2021 – Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) starts today, and a coalition of law enforcement agencies, direct service organizations and advocates are united in support of survivors across Tucson and Pima County.
Throughout April, we’ll highlight several local initiatives to provide support and safety to those who have been harmed, such as guiding victims through the process of obtaining a medical forensic exam; services that are available to survivors, including support groups and free therapy; and sharing data and research that empowers the public and illustrates the full scope of harm to our communities. For example:
- Every 73 seconds, someone is sexually assaulted in the U.S.;
- 33 percent of women who are raped contemplate suicide;
- and at least one in six men have been sexually abused or assaulted.
* data from RAINN.org & 1in6.org
Next week, the Pima County Attorney’s Office (PCAO) will release a PSA reaching out to survivors who may need support or a medical forensic exam following a recent sexual assault, or who want to check the status of an exam. In subsequent weeks, our coalition will help parents talk to their kids about consent, educate victims on their rights, and build awareness around Denim Day (April 28), an international effort to stop victim-blaming.
Across social media, our respective organizations – which include PCAO, the Tucson Police Department, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault, Southern Arizona Children’s Advocacy Center, University of Arizona Survivor Advocacy Program and the University of Arizona Consortium on Gender Based Violence – will share SAAM content using the #TucSAAM hashtag. Facebook users can also download an “I Support Survivors” / #TucSAAM profile photo frame to raise awareness among their friends, families and followers. Pima County residents are also encouraged to visit www.sacasa.org/tucsaam for links to resources, agencies and organizations that support survivors. And, if ordered by April 7, everyone can get their own “I Support Survivors” teal T-shirt just in time for Denim Day.
Victim advocates, law enforcement and researchers are available for interview throughout April. For media requests, please contact Joe Watson, PCAO Communications Director, at (520) 724-5610 or joe.watson@pcao.pima.gov.
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In an effort to inform the public and support survivors of sexual violence, local victim service agencies, advocacy groups, law enforcement agencies and legal rights organizations have come together to promote Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) across Southern Arizona. Educational events, media outreach and digital campaigns are scheduled throughout the month.
