April 2020 was Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). At Pierce, Sloan, Wilson Kennedy & Early LLC, we did not want to let the 19th anniversary of this important movement go unnoticed, especially when we offer valuable legal assistance to survivors of sexual abuse.
The History of SAAM
Sexual Assault Awareness Month, also called the Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), is a movement to promote the awareness and prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. The roots of the movement emerged in the civil rights era and continued into the 1970s. In 1993, the United States passed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and advocates started holding events, marches, and observances related to sexual violence. The first SAAM was nationally observed in 2001. Since then, organizations like the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) have organized events and informational opportunities in communities, workplaces, and college campuses across the country.
Virtual Help
This year, COVID-19 presented unique challenges for SAAM. Nevertheless, supporters still found ways to participate:
- RAINN promoted the TALK method for speaking with and supporting survivors
- The Safe Helpline led a social media campaign
- People around the country used the #SAAM, #SSAPM, and #TALKtoMe hashtags
- Celebrities participated in virtual events
- Organizations held fundraising campaigns
- Volunteers worked the National Sexual Assault Hotline
- Organizations held “Take Back the Night” demonstrations over Zoom
How We Help
Sexual violence is a crime, but the criminal justice system often fails survivors. Our team at Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC uses civil litigation to help survivors get the resources they need to recover.
While no settlement or jury award can change what happened, compensation can give survivors access to the rehabilitative care and support they deserve. Further, holding perpetrators and the institutions that enabled them accountable brings many of our clients a sense of justice, closure, and healing.
Our Firm Is Here for You
We understand that sexual abuse is difficult to talk about, but if you reach out to our firm, we promise to listen without judgement and do everything in our power to help you. When you trust our legal team, we will not hesitate to put our experience and professionalism to work on your behalf.
Sexual abuse is never acceptable, and we work hard to help ensure survivors are cared for and perpetrators are held accountable.
If you’re ready, please call us at (843) 968-0886 today or contact us online for a free, 100% confidential consultation.
Helping clients is how we observe SAAM – in April and throughout the year.