Monday April 14, 2025
April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) a time to acknowledge the reality of sexual violence in our communities, supporting survivors and taking real, informed action to preventing harm.
A theme for this month is: Learn. Act. Change.
Focusing on establishing a shared understanding of sexual violence, its impact, and actionable steps toward prevention.
Social Worker and Counsellor at the Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault (ECASA), Kawa, explains that “the term ‘sexual violence’ refers to a broad range of unwanted sexual behaviours that makes someone feel uncomfortable, frightened, intimidated or threatened.”
“Our service responds to the individual needs of victim survivors. Many may include short contact with our Counsellor/Advocates to validate their experience, provide psycho-education and empower them on their healing journey and others man need extended contact”
ECASA, offer free, confidential support for survivors, including counselling, advocacy, education and crisis support. This is open to all ages, genders and backgrounds.
Primary Prevention Worker, Rebecca, works with young people to notice early warning signs, and identify safe and unsafe people both online and in their everyday lives.
Working closely with schools across the region, they deliver education that is age-appropriate, informed and practical.
“Our young people are incredibly tech savvy and are exposed to a multitude of attitudes and beliefs that can be quiet damaging. By starting prevention early, we can empower our young people to identify and question the messages we receive, particularly in the online space.”