Sexual Assault Awareness Month History:

Sexual Assault Awareness Month began with Sexual Assault Awareness Week in the late 1980′s which took place in April. During the next 10 years, advocates began raising awareness about sexual violence throughout the entire month of April. By the late 1990s, many advocates were coordinating activities on a yearly basis through the month of April. This promoted the idea to have nationally recognized month for Sexual Assault Awareness.

In the early part of 2000′s organizations collectively designated  teal as color for sexual assault awareness They also decided that April was the month to promote activities for national sexual assault awareness. As a result of this the first National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) was observed  in April 2001.

Denim Day:

Denim Day was a result of women of the Italian Legislature who were protesting the Italy’s High Court ruling that overturned a rape conviction simply because the victim was wearing jeans. Since 1999 Denim day has been internationally celebrated in protest of the deplorable message the Italian court sent to women.

Take a stand against sexual assault and rape and participate in this year’s Denim day is on April 28, 2011.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month Events:

Please check back for more information or on our calendar.

www.handsofahava.org/calendar