Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) 2025
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month – a nationally recognized time dedicated to raising awareness of sexual assault, educating our community on how to prevent sexual violence, and providing accessible resources to support survivors in their healing journeys.
The theme of 2025 “Together we act, united we change,” emphasizes the importance of working together to make meaningful change in preventing sexual violence and making our community a safer place for everyone.
SAAM Day of Action | April 1, 2025
SAAM Day of Action is recognized on the first Tuesday of April as a day to visibly coordinate support for survivors by wearing teal. This color represents sexual assault awareness and symbolizes strength and healing.
Jackson County Proclamation
We stood alongside Saint Luke’s Clinical Forensic Nursing team leaders at the Jackson County Courthouse as county legislators officially proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This highlights the importance of raising awareness about sexual violence and reinforces our commitment to year-round prevention and education.
Start By Believing Day | April 2, 2025
Start By Believing Day is recognized on the first Wednesday of April to gather to end the silence and change the way we respond to sexual assault. MOCSA staff took pledges to Start By Believing.
UMKC Take Back the Night March | April 9, 2025
Take Back The Night is the oldest worldwide movement to stand against sexual violence in all forms. MOCSA joined UMKC students for a Take Back The Night Rally where Emily Taravez, MOCSA Survivor Speaker, spoke about the importance of sexual assault awareness and MOCSA services.
City of Kansas City SAAM Proclamation
We were deeply honored to receive a resolution from the City of Kansas City recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and the work of MOCSA.
This meaningful acknowledgment highlights the importance of supporting survivors and continuing the vital work of preventing sexual violence in our community.
Denim Day | April 30, 2025
Denim Day is dedicated to challenging harmful victim-blaming rhetoric. It began after an Italian court overturned a rape conviction, claiming the survivor’s tight jeans implied consent. By wearing denim on this day, we raise awareness, empower survivors, and promote conversations about consent.
Aliento del Cielo Radio Interview
Michelle Rodriguez, MOCSA Bilingual Advocacy and Outreach Specialist II and Lorena Rivera, MOCSA Bilingual Counseling Coordinator spoke with Aliento del Cielo Radio about how Counseling Services as well as Hospital Advocacy Services are available in both English and Spanish 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
