Philadelphia – Today, City officials joined community leaders for the Annual Teal Day Press Conference hosted by the Philadelphia Commission for Women and WOAR Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).
SAAM is a campaign that aims to increase awareness about the causes and risk factors for sexual assault and empower individuals to take steps to prevent it in their communities. The color teal represents solidarity and support for sexual assault survivors as well as those working to end violence in our homes, communities, and nation.
This year’s focus is “Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity,” calling on individuals, communities, organizations, and institutions to change systems of oppression to build racial equity and end sexual harassment, assault, and abuse.
“My hope is that we are moving to a time and place where our society has evolved so that there is no longer a need for a Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In the meantime, I am grateful that organizations like WOAR, the Office of Domestic Violence Strategies, Women Against Abuse, and our Shared Safety Partners are taking measures to reduce the incidents of sexual violence in Philadelphia,” said Jovida Hill, Executive Director of the Office of Engagement for Women. “It is also crucial that sexual violence joins the conversation around power and oppression. Racial, ethnic, economic, gender, LGBTIQ+, disability, and equity issues are all important aspects of the sexual violence conversation.”
Since 2001, April has been officially observed as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month but social activism around the issue of sexual assault can be traced as far as the 1970s. SAAM has empowered many groups and individuals across the Commonwealth to make a difference in preventing sexual violence in our communities.
“For more than 20 years, Teal Day has been a powerful representation of not only our mission to amplify and support survivors but also our vision to end sexual violence through prevention education, counseling, and advocacy,” said Michael F. Kellerman, Interim Executive Director of WOAR Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence. “We can only do this together through community collaborations and partnerships and we’re inspired by all who share their voice on this day.”
The event also included access to resources and opportunities offered by WOAR for individuals and organizations interested in supporting ongoing efforts to eliminate sexual violence in the City of Philadelphia.
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About the Mayor’s Office of Engagement for Women
The Office of Engagement for Women (OEW) promotes economic, educational, and social opportunities for Philadelphia’s women, girls, and individuals who identify as female. OEW also supports the efforts of the Philadelphia Commission for Women and is part of the larger Office of Public Engagement. For more information, visit OEW’s website.
About WOAR Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence
WOAR is a non-profit organization in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sexual violence thrives in a society rooted in systemic oppression. WOAR’s mission is to eliminate all forms of sexual violence through specialized treatment services, comprehensive prevention education programs, and advocacy for the rights of victims of sexual assault. To accomplish this mission, we fight all forms of oppression including racism and gender-based violence. For more information about WOAR and its services, visit woar.org and follow @WOARphila on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.