Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2026

Sexual Assault Awareness MOnth 2026

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Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2026

Did you know that this year marks 25 years of SAAM?

This April, NJCASA is participating in the NSVRC’s national SAAM campaign, “25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward.” This Campaign honors the history and growth of the movement while reaffirming our commitment to a safer future for all. Looking back, we remember the survivors and advocates who laid the foundation for change. Moving forward, we renew our focus on prevention, healing, and action. Together, we will learn how to take meaningful steps toward prevention, support those around you, and create spaces where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.

Follow along on social media!

Join us on social media this April as we follow NSVRC’s weekly themes! Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing educational materials and information about our work.

Check out the themes for each week:

Week 1: The Roots of the Movement
Week 2: Survivors at the Center
Week 3: From Awareness to Action: Prevention is a Shared Responsibility
Week 4: Envisioning the Future
Week 5: Our Legacy, Our Commitment

Dates to Keep in Mind

April 7th: SAAM Day of Action
SAAM Day of Action is a special day to show your support for survivors of sexual violence by wearing teal. Tag us on Instagram in a photo of you wearing teal, and we’ll repost it to our story!

April 29th: Denim Day
Wear denim to show your support for survivors of sexual violence! Tag us on Instagram in a photo of you wearing denim, and we’ll repost it to our story!

Be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our mailing list to stay up to date!

Donate

Looking for another way to get involved this SAAM and support survivors of sexual violence? Make a donation to NJCASA today! All funds will go directly toward supporting the CDC’s estimated 2.7 million survivors of contact sexual violence in our home state. A donation of any amount will make a difference!

Events

Local sexual violence programs across New Jersey are hosting both in-person and virtual events and activities throughout Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Hosting a SAAM event in New Jersey? Submit information about your event here to be featured on this webpage.

BURLINGTON COUNTY

Light the Night Teal
Hosted by: CONTACT of Burlington
When: April 1, 2026 | 7pm to sunset
Where: Cooper’s Poynt Park (801 Delaware Ave, Camden, NJ 08102)

Help CONTACT of Burlington kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month by coming together for a powerful evening of solidarity and support. They will illuminate the iconic Benjamin Franklin Bridge in teal, to honor survivors, raise awareness, and stand united in prevention.

Painting with a Purpose
Hosted by: CONTACT of Burlington
When: April 10, 2026 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Where: Painting with a Twist (127 Ark Rd, #18, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054)

Join Contact of Burlington for a night of painting, fun, and community while supporting our work during SAAM. Grab a brush and make a difference! Register here.

Community Canvases: Art, Bites and Connections
Hosted by: CONTACT of Burlington
When: April 25, 2026 | 11am – 3pm
Where: Alleyway and Parking lot behind 22 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ 08060

Join Contact of Burlington for the unveiling of a community mural honoring survivors, raising awareness, and standing together for healing and change. Enjoy an inspiring day with music, engaging speakers, local food trucks, valuable resources, and free raffle giveaways for all attendees! Register here.

Hunterdon County

“We Rise” Poetry Contest
Hosted by: SAFE in Hunterdon
When: Submissions due by April 6, 2026
Where to submit: Email Gillian Drugos at gdrugos@safeinhunterdon.org

SAFE in Hunterdon is hosting a poetry contest. The top three entries will receive prizes and will be featured on the SAFE in Hunterdon website, in the newsletter, and in the program at the Denim Day Fashion Show on April 23, 2026, at the RVCC Event Center.

Survivors’ Poetry Slam
Hosted by: SAFE in Hunterdon
When: April 9, 2026 | 4:30pm- 6:30pm
Where: Alkemy Coffee (2 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ 08822)

Join SAFE in Hunterdon for a night of empowerment and resiliency in support of survivors of sexual violence. Doors open at 4:30pm for “Dear Survivor” letter writing.

Take Back the Night
Hosted by: SAFE in Hunterdon
When: April 16, 2026 at 5:30pm
Where: Hunterdon Art Museum Patio (7 Lower Center St., Clinton, NJ 08809)

Join SAFE in Hunterdon for a night to march and stand in solidarity with survivors. The event will also feature a presentation and reception.

Denim Day 2026: Fashion Show
Hosted by: SAFE in Hunterdon
When: April 23, 2026 | 5pm- 8pm (doors open at 4:30pm)
Where: 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ 08876

Join SAFE in Hunterdon for a night of fashion, food, and fun in acknowledgment of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Monmouth County

Honoring Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Resources and Clinical Trauma Treatment for Survivors of Sexual & Domestic Violence
Hosted by: 180 Turning Lives Around and St. Francis Counseling Service
When: April 22, 2026 | 2pm – 4pm
Where: 185 NJ-36, building C, West Long Branch, NJ 07764

180 Turning Lives Around and St. Francis Counseling Service present on their resources available in Monmouth and Ocean counties for survivors of interpersonal, sexual, and domestic violence. As state-funded DV/SV Prevention Programs, both organizations will highlight how their primary prevention services help the communities they serve. The presentation will also review trauma-informed mental healthcare practices for clinicians and counseling students working with survivors.

“What Were You Wearing?” Exhibit
Hosted by: 180 Turning Lives Around
When: April 25, 2026 | Viewing hours from 2pm – 5pm. You can still view this exhibit on April 28th and April 30th between 12pm – 4pm or by appointment: 732-212-1890.
Where: Monmouth Arts (99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701)

Featuring real, anonymous submissions, 180 Turning Lives Around is spotlighting survivors of sexual violence in the community by recreating the pieces survivors were wearing. This exhibit is a powerful response to the victim-blaming rhetoric survivors face, even long after experiencing harm.

Looking Back, Moving Forward: Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month, Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month
Hosted by: Mercy Center
When: April 25, 2026 | 11am – 2pm
Where: 901 Main St., Asbury Park, NJ 07712

Mercy Center invites the community to “Looking Back, Moving Forward”, a free event recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention month and Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention month. The event brings together survivors, families, advocates, and community partners for an afternoon of reflection, healing, and empowerment. Also includes kids’ games, family friendly activities, and opportunities to connect with local organizations offering support, prevention education, and resources. Attendees will hear from guest speakers, including a survivor’s story, and can explore the Victims of Crime Art Show, which highlights creative expression as a path towards resilience. All are welcome to join to honor survivors, raise awareness, and strengthen community safety and wellbeing.

Morris County

Survivor Speak 2026: Reclaiming Our Past, Rewriting Our Future
Hosted by: Morris County Sexual Assault Center
When: April 13, 2026 | 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: Madison Community Arts Center (10 Kings Road, Madison, NJ 07940)

Join Atlantic Behavioral Health and Morris County Sexual Assault Center for a night of art and creativity to support survivors of sexual violence. View the survivor art gallery installation, reflect on the needs of our community, and come together to discuss prevention and change. Enjoy powerful performances, light refreshments, and collaborative art activities. Register here.

The installation is available for view from April 1st – April 30th. This event was made possible by funding from the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and the Division on Women.

For questions about the event please call the Morris County Sexual Assault Center office at 973-971-4754.

Ocean County

Barnegat Pride Community Craft Night
Hosted by: St. Francis Counseling Service
When: April 15, 2026 | 6pm – 9pm
Where: Barnegat Recreation Center (900 West Bay Ave, Barnegat, NJ 08005)

Join St. Francis Counseling Service during Barnegat Pride’s monthly meeting, where they will be crafting vision boards for a bright and inclusive future and presenting on their resources. Craft supplies will be provided, and this event is open to everyone!

Library Tabling Tour
Hosted by: St. Francis Counseling Service
When & Where:

April 17, 2026 | 6pm – 9pm – Lakewood Branch
May 7, 2026 | 2pm – 4pm – Lacey Branch

Join St. Francis Counseling Service during their library tour and stop by for resources, giveaways, and to see their “What Were You Wearing?” exhibit honoring Sexual Assault Awareness month (Toms River and Lacey Branches).

Take Back the Time
Hosted by: St. Francis Counseling Service
When: April 21, 2026 | 10am – 2pm
Where: Ocean County College (1 College Dr, Toms River, NJ 08754)

Join St. Francis Counseling Service for their Take Back the Time event, where community partners will host tabling throughout the day, offering resources and themed giveaways. The event will also feature panelists from St. Francis, Providence House, NJCASA, and OC SART, and attendees will have the chance to anonymously share survivor stories.

Honoring Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Resources and Clinical Trauma Treatment for Survivors of Sexual & Domestic Violence
Hosted by: St. Francis Counseling Service
When: April 22, 2026 | 2pm – 4pm
Where: 185 NJ-36, building C, West Long Branch, NJ 07764

St. Francis Counseling Service and 180 Turning Lives Around present on their resources available in Monmouth and Ocean counties for survivors of interpersonal, sexual, and domestic violence. As state-funded DV/SV Prevention Programs, both organizations will highlight how their primary prevention services help the communities they serve. The presentation will also review trauma-informed mental healthcare practices for clinicians and counseling students working with survivors.

Caffeine and Consent
Hosted by: St. Francis Counseling Service
When: April 25, 2026
Where:

Due-back Coffee Shop (14 Central Ave, Island Heights, NJ 08732)
Revolutionary Lounge (1256 Indian Head Road, Toms River, NJ 08755)
Spire Coffeehouse (1922 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753)
Beach Haven Coffee Roasters (325 9th St., #22, Beach Haven, NJ 08008)

St. Francis Counseling Service is hosting a campaign and coffeeshop tour! Meet the team on April 25th for their coffee tour to receive resources and giveaways at each location! Schedule below:

9am – 11am: Due-Back

12pm – 2pm: Revolutionary Lounge

2:30pm – 4pm: Spire Coffeehouse on Main street

Additionally, you may purchase a beverage at any of the participating cafes all throughout April to receive a customized beverage sleeve in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Sussex County

28th Annual Clothesline Project
Hosted by: Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Intervention Services (DASI)
When: April 1, 2026 | 4pm – 6pm
Where: Sussex County Community College, Building D (student center)

Join DASI’s Clothesline Project, a visual representation of empowerment to bring awareness to sexual violence and all other forms of power based violence within the Sussex County community.

Union County

Resilience Rising: Understanding Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Hosted by: YWCA Union County
When: April 18, 2026 | 3pm – 5pm
Where: First Baptist Church of Hillside (166 Hillside Ave, Hillside, NJ 07205)

Join YWCA Union County for an educational and empowering workshop designed to raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault while fostering understanding, compassion, and community support. This event provides a safe and inclusive space to learn about the realities of abuse, its impact on individuals and families, and the importance of prevention and early intervention. Register here.

This workshop will also be held in other dates in May:

May 1st, from 5:30pm – 6:30pm at the Cranford Community Center.

May 2nd, from 2pm – 4pm at the Third Tabernacle (1518 West 3rd Street, Plainfield, NJ 07063). View flyer.

Clothesline Project
Hosted by: YWCA Union County
When: April 24, 2026 | 2pm – 5pm
Where: Scott Park, Elizabeth (outside of City Hall)

Join YWCA Union County for their Clotheslines Project, where survivors’ voices are honored and made visible and raising community awareness about the impact of domestic and sexual violence. Come decorate and display a shirt in honor of a survivor or victim of violence.

Warren County

Ice Cream Social
Hosted by: Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center (DASACC)
When: April 8, 2026 | 4pm – 6pm
Where: The Chuckling Cow (746 NJ-57, Port Murray, NJ, 07865)

Stop by the Chuckling Cow for a scoop of ice cream and learn how DASACC and community members can work together to support survivors and prevent sexual violence. Enjoy a treat, meet the team, and show your support!

Flash Tattoo Event
Hosted by: Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center (DASACC)
When: April 11, 2026 | 1pm – 4pm
Where: Fifth Layer Studio LLC (7 Union Square, Floor 2 & 3, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865)

Join DASACC at Fifth Layer Studio for a flash tattoo event and learn how to support survivors and prevent sexual violence. Select from exclusive flash designs and a portion of proceeds will support survivor services at DASACC.

Film Screening of Audrie & Daisy
Hosted by: Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center (DASACC)
When: April 18, 2026 | 5pm – 8pm
Where: 31 Belvidere Ave., Washington, NJ 07882

DASACC invites the community to a screening of the Netflix documentary Audrie & Daisy. This film examines the effects of sexual assault, cyberbullying, and social media on survivors and their communities. Join for an evening of conversation about supporting survivors and preventing sexual violence. Popcorn and drinks will be provided.

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