Together & United: Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), a time to raise awareness about sexual violence and support survivors. This year’s theme, “Together We Act, United We Change,” reflects The Women’s Center’s collaborative efforts to create a safer, trauma-informed Tarrant County.

Decades ago, survivors seeking care endured long waits in inadequate hospital conditions, with forensic exams often deprioritized. In 1989, The Women’s Center joined forces with local law enforcement, healthcare providers, and the district attorney’s office to establish the Tarrant County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). Together, they revolutionized care for local survivors, introducing private SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) suites, compassionate forensic exams, and streamlined law enforcement interviews. Today, SART continues to meet, sharing ideas and training to improve care.

Inspired by this success, the Tarrant County Sexual Abuse Advisory Council (TCSAAC) emerged to address childhood sexual abuse. Their annual conference fosters collaboration and training among organizations supporting child survivors.

For over 40 years, The Women’s Center has championed survivors’ needs, shaping a trauma-informed community alongside committed partners. But there’s still work to do—it takes all of us to make a difference.

Each of us can help by believing survivors, listening without judgment, and supporting them. Educating ourselves about sexual violence is essential, as marginalized communities are disproportionately affected. The Women’s Center’s programs, including the Violence Prevention Program and Play it Safe!®, equip professionals, adults, and children to recognize, respond to, and prevent abuse.

Together, we build a united, connected community that offers compassionate, trauma-informed care to all survivors.