2007 SAAM Campaign > Campaign Overview
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) observed in April, is the month dedicated to making a concerted effort to raise awareness of sexual violence and promote its prevention through special events, although such activities ideally will occur throughout the year.
The national SAAM initiative is based on several underlying principles:
- Promotion of national unity in voice and action regarding SAAM activities;
- Support for local flexibility and creativity;
- Engaging a variety of communities across the nation;
- Increasing the number and variety of tools available to the field;
- Building community commitment and national momentum to end sexual violence.
Slogan and Color
The 2007 SAAM campaign national slogan was Prevent Sexual Violence…in our communities. This focus helps communities recognize that everyone is responsible for preventing sexual violence and that it requires all of us working together in creative ways. This theme was also broad enough to allow individual states and territories to focus on particular areas of interest if they wish. Teal is the official color representing sexual violence awareness recognized month.
SAAM Resources
The 2007 NSVRC SAAM packet and the NSVRC website (www.nsvrc.org/saam) offer a variety of tools to assist in planning SAAM prevention activities. To download a copy of the 2007 SAAM packet click here.
A Day to End Sexual Violence
A Day to End Sexual Violence is recognized nationally as a day to focus awareness on sexual violence issues. The NSVRC designated Thursday, April 5, 2007 as the most recent Day to End Sexual Violence. On this day, communities were encouraged to participate in an awareness-raising or prevention activity, such as the 2007 featured event.
Featured Event: SAAM Film Screening
In April 2007, the NSVRC promoted a featured event– SAAM film screenings of the documentary NO! This event provided information and insight, allowed for community resource exchange, and encouraged discussion about prevention strategies.
Community Activities
Brief descriptions of alternative activities, in addition to the featured event, are provided in the packet and on the NSVRC website (www.nsvrc.org/saam). We encourage agencies and organizations to check with your state, territory, or tribal sexual assault coalition for any coordinated activities or events that they may have planned. Coalition contact information is available here.
SAAM Products
New products featured in 2007 included a poster, key chain with whistle and light, beverage napkins, puzzle, and palmcards that reinforce the 2007 theme Prevent Sexual Violence…in our communities. These and other products are available for purchase so organizations may distribute and/or sell them in April. To visit the SAAM Store click here.
Additionally, SAAM products may be available for purchase through your coalition. Please contact your coalition to find out what products they offer. Coalition contact information is available here.
Share Your Events
The NSVRC website houses a SAAM calendar of events where national, state, territory, tribal and local communities are invited to post their sexual violence awareness and prevention activities, conferences, and training opportunities. To view the calendar or list your event click here.
Prevention Actions
Creating safe communities is everyone’s responsibility. Focusing on prevention contributes to an environment where people are safe in their relationships, homes, neighborhoods, schools and workplaces. To help generate ideas for specific actions that various groups can participate in, the NSVRC has prepared a list of community prevention actions. Additional activities may be found here.
SAAM Awards
The NSVRC invites each sexual assault coalition to honor an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their state, territory or tribal community. In addition, the NSVRC will also presented three national awards in 2007. For a listing of the 2007 award recipients and information on previous award winners, visit our SAAM Awards page.
Your feedback on the NSVRC 2007 SAAM campaign, packet, and website are necessary so that we may better understand your needs and develop future SAAM materials. We also want to collect new and creative ideas for events that might serve as models for others. For providing your feedback, the NSVRC will send you a free gift (while quantities last). To complete the 2007 SAAM campaign feedback form click here (need link to survey monkey). The feedback form will be available from May 1st until May 15th.
