April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month with prevention a key focus

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, now entering its fifth year in Tasmania.  

Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) is sharing insights about its Consent and Relationships Education (CARE) Program.

Acting CEO Sandi Doherty said the month was a great opportunity to focus on prevention activities and the path forward, to a Tasmania free from sexual abuse.  

“We know that at least one in four children in Tasmania experience some form of sexual assault,” she said.

Tasmania’s Commission of Inquiry reports: “All Tasmanian students should have the benefit of programs designed to help them learn and understand their right to be safe from sexual abuse or harmful sexual behaviours.”

Ms Doherty said SASS was in a unique position to offer specialized education and support to school communities.  

“All children aged eight to 18 should be able to learn age-appropriate context to better understand what consenting sounds, feels and looks like, providing a path to a happy and healthy life,” she said.

The main week of action is Monday 15 April to Sunday 21 April.

During this week, SASS encourages organisations to demonstrate support by wearing teal or purple and hosting a morning tea or event to fundraise for the CARE program.

Ms Doherty said education was one of the most powerful catalysts for systemic change, and that support for the CARE program would help reach every school in Tasmania.

Interviews:

Sandi Doherty

Acting CEO, Sexual Assault Support Service

E: sandi.doherty@sass.org.au

Further information:

Adie Delaney

Communications Lead

E: adie.delaney@sass.org.au

P: 0481480077

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