Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) commences today, Friday 1 April 2022, with a month of activities to raise awareness and provide information to people right across the community.
Now in its third year in Tasmania, SAAM is the major community activity on the Sexual Assault Support Service calendar each year. This year, the take home message for SAAM is #OnlyYesMeansYes.
The purpose of SAAM is building awareness, opening up conversations and breaking down the stigma of people talking about sexual violence. SAAM aims to educate everyone in the community – in workplaces, sporting clubs, social groups, at home and online – on how they can help put an end to sexual violence.
Sexual Assault Support Service CEO Jill Maxwell is proud to see the SAAM program continue to grow, with new organisations participating and others returning from last year to take part again.
“SAAM has extended its reach for 2022. We’re offering workshops on Teaching Kids Consent, our online raffle has some wonderful prizes that have been generously donated” says Jill.
“We are kicking off the month with the support of Netball Tasmania, who are holding their SAAM round of the TNL tonight in the North and South of the state.”
“Later this month Seishin Martial Arts are holding a women and girls Judo night, with all class fees being donated to our SAAM fundraising. We’ll be ‘lighting up’ for SAAM with teal lights around Hobart and in Huonville.”
As in previous years, the main day of action for SAAM is Wear Teal Tuesday, which is Tuesday 26 April.
“Wear Teal Tuesday is a great opportunity to get involved and get people talking about the importance of consent. Registrations have been coming in from businesses, government department, community organisations and social groups.”
“Taking part is easy – wear a teal ribbon, hold a morning tea and collect a gold coin donation from each attendee. And of course, if you’re a creative baker, there is no limit to what you can do. Last year we received photos of very impressive teal donuts, cakes and biscuits! But the most important thing is to take part and keep the conversation about consent going right throughout the community.”
Although 2022 is only the third year for SAAM in Tasmania, Jill notes it’s already making a real difference across the community. In addition to the organisation seeing a significant increase in referrals over recent years, the service is also experiencing an increase in demand for training programs and collaborations.
“Our vision at SASS is to achieve a Tasmania free from sexual violence,” says Jill “We know it’s a challenge, but we also know that community education and support will go a long way towards meeting this goal. By participating in SAAM, you’re taking an important step in helping us get there.”
Further details about SAAM, including registration for Wear Teal Tuesday, can be found at https://www.sass.org.au/sexual-assault-awareness-month-saam
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Released for Sexual Assault Support Service by Jo Bailey, Manager - Marketing & Communications