Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) at Susan B. Anthony Project
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) Candlelight Vigil
Please join us at our annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) Candlelight Vigil being held in Coe Memorial Park in Torrington on Thursday, April 27th from 6:00 – 7:30 pm.
The vigil invites the community to come together to show support for survivors and to honor victims of sexual violence. The evening includes a Speak Out which gives survivors and community members a voice to share their experiences. Additionally, the vigil offers SBAP the opportunity to recognize and thank community members who have collaborated and supported our work throughout the year.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) History
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) began in England in the late 1970’s with Take Back the Night marches – women only protests that emerged in direct response to the violence women encountered as they walked the streets at night. In 1978, the first Take Back the Night events were held in San Francisco and New York City.
Initially a woman’s cause, it wasn’t long before these activities expanded to include the issue of sexual violence against men and men’s participation in ending sexual violence.
In April 2001, the first Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) was observed nationally.