SAAM Day of Action

Sexual assault is always a burning problem in many countries around the world. Sexual assault takes many forms, just as anyone can become the target of this problem. To raise awareness about sexual violence prevention, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) Day of Action is celebrated each year on the first Tuesday of April, to create a day to gather people to focus awareness on sexual violence prevention. As part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), nationally recognized in the United States and held annually, SAAM Day of Action provides tools and resources throughout the campaign.

The day aims to prevent sexual assault, harassment and abuse before they happen through education. Teaching consent and understanding boundaries is important, but also requires social change. At present, the stigma of sexual assault remains against the victims. Until that perspective changes, sexual assault will continue to go unpunished.

Through social media campaigns, events and more, this day leverages valuable resources to help change the views of society. The day also offers ways to support victims throughout the month and beyond.

History of SAAM Day of Action

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center was known as the founder of SAAM Day of Action. Since 2004, a day dedicated to ending sexual violence against women has been promoted by the center. A campaign with many activities to prevent sexual assault against women and children as well as to overcome the consequences after being sexually assaulted.

It is not by chance that SAAM organizes this day. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines child sexual abuse and maltreatment to include all forms of treatment that cause physical and mental harm to a child under the age of 10 (under 10 years old). In addition, irresponsibility, neglect of those involved or acts of trafficking, exploitation of child labor, leading to threats to the life, health or development of young children are also considered as crimes child abuse and abuse. While other acts of abuse and violence can be detected through physical marks, child sexual abuse is increasing because it is difficult to detect and becomes more complex. The acts of sexual harassment of young children who are not aware enough or are unable to resist are often threatened and enticed by perpetrators to keep their bad actions secret; or due to fear or fear of the reputation that the victim or his family did not speak up.

This fact is well reflected in the global data on the large number of cases of child sexual abuse. Since 2002, WHO estimates that up to 150 million girls and 73 million boys have been sexually abused. A WHO meta-analysis of 65 studies in 22 countries in 2014 found that the highest rates of sexual abuse occurred in Africa (34.4%) and Asia (23.9%). while in the Americas and Europe it was 10.1% and 9.2%, respectively. South Africa has the highest rate of sexual abuse in both girls (43.7%) and boys (60.9%) in the world. For boys, the rate of child sexual abuse behind South Africa is countries such as Jordan (27%), Tanzania (25%), Israel (15.7%), Spain (13.4). %), Australia (13%), Costa Rica (12.8%)… Meanwhile, the countries ranked second in the rate of sexual abuse against girls are Australia (37.8%), Costa Rica (32.2%), Tanzania (31.0%), Israel (30.7%), Sweden (28.1%), USA (25.3%), Switzerland (24.2%)…

How to observe SAAM Day of Action

On SAAM Day of Action, you are encouraged to show your support. You can share social media posts on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Learn about consent and how it works. Attend or register for an event.

Use #SAAMDayOfAction to post on social media.