April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The mission of SAAM is to increase public understanding of sexual assault and educate communities on how to prevent it. We know that a single month isn’t enough to address the significant and widespread problem of sexual assault. However, April holds space for the attention, prevention efforts, and survivor support we hope to strengthen and expand throughout the year.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2025 Events
March 31
Support Table
11:30 am - 1 pm | Illinois Wesleyan University
YWCA Stepping Stones will be in attendance to raise awareness of our services among college students. Stop by the support table to learn about our services, meet our staff and show your support for survivors of sexual assault.
All Month
Teal Chair Project
Various Local Businesses
The Teal Chair Project serves as a reminder that no one has to go through the aftermath of sexual violence alone. The chairs are intended to also remind us that sexual violence happens right here in McLean County. Stop by a participating local business to show your support!
All Month
Sexual Violence Support Table
Bobzbay Bookstore
Discover an engaging book display at Bobzbay Bookstore in Downtown Bloomington, featuring a thoughtfully curated collection of literature addressing sexual assault—from evocative fiction and compelling memoirs to insightful non‑fiction and stirring poetry. In collaboration with Stepping Stones, this display also offers vital resources to support survivors and foster community awareness.
April 2
Support Table
11:30 am - 1 pm | Illinois Wesleyan University
YWCA Stepping Stones will be in attendance to raise awareness of our services among college students. Stop by the support table to learn about our services, meet our staff and show your support for survivors of sexual assault.
April 9
Day of (No) Silence
11 am - 3 pm | Illinois State University
Day of (No) Silence is a student-led demonstration where participants break the imposed silence resulting from harassment and discrimination against LGBTQIA individuals in schools. This reimagined event transforms a traditional vow of silence into a powerful call to speak out, challenging harmful norms and creating safer environments to help prevent sexual violence against LGBTQIA+ folx.
April 16
Consent Day Support Table
11 am - 3 pm | Illinois State University
Explore consent and its vital role in healthy relationships for Consent Day. Visit with campus student organizations, learn how to empower yourself to communicate consent, and take a pledge to commit to consent and helping end sexual violence.
April 23
The Clothesline Project
11 am - 2 pm | Illinois State University
The Clothesline Project is a visual display bearing witness to violence against individuals. During the public display, a clothesline is hung with shirts decorated to represent an individual's experience, made by the survivor or a loved one.
April 26
Final Steps Awareness Walk
10 am - 12 pm | Miller Park
Join us in supporting survivors and Sexual Assault Awareness Month with a peaceful and accessible walk around the pond at Miller Park. Tables will be stationed along the route to provide information about Stepping Stones, kid's games and a therapeutic art activity.
Registration is not required, but encouraged to reserve a SAAM shirt. Register below.
April 30
Wear Denim Day Support Table
11 am - 2 pm | Illinois State University
Denim Day is a campaign that aims to raise awareness about sexual violence and education. It began as a protest against the 1998 Italian Supreme Court decision that overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing tight jeans. Denim Day's purpose is to start conversations about attitudes surrounding sexual assault, such as victim blaming.