25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward
For 25 years, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) has united survivors, advocates, and communities in a shared commitment to end sexual assault, abuse, and harassment.
The 2026 theme — “25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward” — honors the survivors and advocates who laid the foundation for change, while renewing our focus on prevention, healing, and action.
At Younity, this month is both a reflection and a call forward.
What Sexual Violence Means
Sexual violence is an umbrella term that includes any type of unwanted sexual contact or behavior carried out without consent. It can include:
- Rape or sexual assault
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual abuse
- Unwanted sexual touching
- Sexual exploitation or trafficking
- Nonconsensual image sharing
- Exposure without consent
- Words or actions of a sexual nature against someone’s will
Sexual violence often intersects with domestic violence, stalking, and coercive control. Many victim-survivors know the person who harmed them. Abuse does not always involve a stranger, and it does not always leave visible injuries.
It is about power. It is about control. And it is preventable.
Why Awareness Still Matters
Research continues to show the widespread impact of sexual violence:
- More than half of women and nearly one-third of men report experiencing contact sexual violence in their lifetime.
- Most victim-survivors report that the person who harmed them was someone they knew.
- Rates are disproportionately high among Black women, Hispanic women, American Indian and Alaska Native women, people with intellectual disabilities, and transgender individuals.
These realities remind us that sexual violence affects people across all communities. Awareness reduces stigma. Education strengthens prevention. Open conversations create safer environments.
Younity’s Commitment
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is not limited to April. Our work continues year-round.
Through our Counseling & Support Services and Education & Prevention Program, Younity:
- Provides 24/7 confidential hotline support
- Offers counseling and advocacy for victim-survivors of domestic and sexual violence
- Engages students in conversations about consent and healthy relationships
- Works with workplaces and community groups to promote prevention
- Strengthens partnerships across Mercer County to improve coordinated responses
Prevention begins long before a crisis. It begins with education, accountability, and cultural change.
How You Can Take Action
This April, we invite you to:
- Attend a Younity event
- Share educational resources
- Start conversations about consent and respect
- Wear teal in solidarity
- Support victim-survivors in your life
- Make a donation to sustain prevention and counseling services
Every voice matters. Every action counts.
If You Need Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or sexual violence, you are not alone.
Support is available for all victim-survivors of domestic or sexual violence, regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or background.
Together, we are stronger than abuse.
