For half a century, the Rape Recovery Center has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive support services to survivors of sexual violence in Salt Lake City and beyond. From crisis intervention and counseling to advocacy and prevention education, the RRC has been a beacon of hope and healing for countless individuals and families affected by sexual assault.

In recognition of this milestone anniversary and in alignment with our ongoing commitment to rise together, the Pillar of Hope Awards shine a spotlight on those who have made significant contributions to advancing the cause of sexual assault awareness and prevention. This year's From Crisis to Recovery Pillar of Hope Awardee is Debra Daniels. Debra Daniels, LCSW, is the embodiment of compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment in the field of sexual violence treatment, awareness, and prevention. Through her roles in the community, including the University of Utah and the Rape Recovery Center, Debra has tirelessly worked to create inclusive spaces, provide critical therapy, and empower marginalized voices.

This year's Rising Youth Pillar of Hope Awardee is the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity at the University of Utah. The Beta Theta Pi Fraternity at the University of Utah has exemplified remarkable dedication and innovation in its ongoing efforts to combat sexual violence and support survivors, embodying the values of the Rising Youth Pillar of Hope Award. Through their Men of Principle initiative, Beta Theta Pi has consistently demonstrated a commitment to addressing the root causes of sexual violence and fostering survivor-centered support systems. Over the years, their partnership with the Rape Recovery Center has flourished, resulting in impactful awareness campaigns, prevention initiatives, and tangible support for survivors.

As we commemorate this significant milestone in our organization's history, we are grateful for the unwavering support of our community partners, volunteers, donors, and allies who have helped us make a difference in the lives of survivors and advocate for systemic change. Together, we can create a future free from sexual violence and ensure that survivors have access to the support and resources they need to heal and thrive.

Every April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) calls attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every person in the community. SAAM aims to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. In its 50th year, the Rape Recovery Center continues to support and empower survivors of sexual violence and educate the community about the cause, impact, and prevention of sexual violence. 

The theme of Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2024 is “Building Connected Communities.”  Building Connected Communities is instrumental in reducing the likelihood of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment in our neighborhoods, workplaces, campuses, organizations, and online spaces. Every gathering spot constitutes a community where people unite, and even if we feel distant, we are still essential parts of many communities.

Communities are powerful because they help us feel we belong and show how our beliefs, decisions, and actions impact others. At the core of Building Connected Communities lies the commitment to ensuring our communities are safe, inclusive, and equitable. It is vital to address abuse of power to stop sexual violence in our relationships, communities, and society.

Join us this Sexual Assault Awareness Month by pledging to Start by Believing on April 3, celebrating with us at the Hope and Healing Gala on April 12, inviting caregivers to our healthy relationships workshop, and sharing resources and education on social media.

Join a coalition of artists and advocates promoting safer standards within the tattoo community. This annual tattoo flash fundraiser raises funds for local organizations that support survivors of sexual violence and provide prevention work in their communities. Starting in Brooklyn in 2015, SNAFI® has expanded globally, reaching cities like Salt Lake City, Denver, and LA. Tattoo shops worldwide participate in SNAFI®, committing to promoting education and contributing to a more accountable workplace.

Participant Expectations

All shops & artists planning on participating in this event are required to read over the SNAFI toolkit and acknowledge they have met the requirements provided by this document by no later than February 29, 2024.

We believe in fostering a community that celebrates creativity and upholds the principles of respect, safety, and accountability. Participating shops and artists must act in alignment with the values and mission of both SNAFI and the Rape Recovery Center (RRC).

If we receive notice of past misconduct by a participating shop, SNAFI reserves the right to revoke participation in this year's event. The allegation's severity will be considered, and shops may be able to reapply for participation the following year. However, this is contingent upon their completion of an RRC prevention workshop before the next event and a donation to the RRC.

If you have questions about participating, please get in touch with Ashley Love at stillnotaskingforitnyc@gmail.com

Are you interested in getting a tattoo in support of the Rape Recovery Center?

Only Forever Tattoo
285 W 800 S # 201
Salt Lake City, UT, 84101

https://www.onlyforevertattoo.com/

In 1974, a group of compassionate individuals in Utah recognized the need for support and care for survivors of sexual violence. This marked the inception of the Rape Recovery Center, a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Over the past five decades, the center has provided a safe space for survivors and their families, offering hope, healing, and recovery.

From its beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of the Salt Lake County and Utah community, the Rape Recovery Center has tirelessly worked to redefine the narrative around sexual violence. The center has challenged societal norms and advocated for a world where all individuals are free of sexual violence.

“This milestone is a testament to the collective healing and strength derived from our diverse community and experiences. Our 50th Anniversary stands as a powerful platform to honor those who came before us and celebrate all who bravely challenge systems that perpetuate sexual violence. Let's pave a future where dignity and respect are universal, healing transcends intersections, and joy is accessible to all of us, “ stated Executive Director, Sonya Martinez- Ortiz.

On April 12, the agency will hold a 50th Anniversary Hope and Healing Gala as we reflect on 50 years of community and healing. We are excited to announce that the event will be held at the Regent Street Black Box at The Eccles Theater this year. Ticket sales begin on February 15. At this event, we will be awarding deserving individuals for the Pillar of Hope Awards—an opportunity to recognize those making a significant impact in our fight against sexual violence.

As we commemorate 50 years of progress, the Rape Recovery Center remains committed to its mission of healing, empowerment, and social change. Let us reflect on the milestones achieved, honor the resilience of survivors, and renew our dedication to creating a society free from sexual violence. Together, we can build a future where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of gender. Here's to 50 years of strength, advocacy, and the unwavering pursuit of justice.

The theme of Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2023 is “Drawing Connections”. The campaign calls on all individuals, communities, organizations, and institutions to change ourselves and the systems surrounding us to build racial equity, respect and healing. Drawing connections between ourselves, history, and the world around us is necessary for changing the future.

As we work towards a future without sexual violence, we all must respond to the needs of those most impacted by systemic oppression. Drawing Connections recognizes that it will take ending all forms of oppression to end sexual harassment, assault, and abuse. Join the Rape Recovery Center as we draw connections between various forms of oppression and the underlying causes and healing of sexual assault – as it is crucial to making real, large-scale, and lasting change. 

April 2022 marks the 21st anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). This year our theme is Healing Together Utah. The Rape Recovery Center wanted to incorporate a campaign that focuses solely on education, prevention, and awareness of sexual violence across the state of Utah. We hope to heal together as a state; we can end sexual violence by healing together.

This year, we have developed partnerships with over ten organizations and communication with over sixteen agencies across Utah. Whether you are in the Wasatch front, throughout the great basin, or dispersed around the red rocks and canyonlands, we want communities to know that they have resources and information for sexual violence.

Denim Day

“Denim Day is a campaign on a Wednesday in April in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The campaign began after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped the person who raped her remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. Peace Over Violence developed the Denim Day campaign in response to this case and the activism surrounding it.” -Peace Over Violence

April 2021 marks the official 20th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year our theme is We Can Build Online Safe Spaces. Sexual harassment, assault, and abuse can happen anywhere. As we navigate online spaces, we can learn ways to better practice digital consent, intervene when we see harmful content or behaviors, and ensure that all spaces — whether they be workspaces, classrooms, social media platforms, or otherwise — are respectful and safe. As new platforms emerge and technology expands, we can build safe online spaces now and into the future by leading with these foundational principles.

Presented by

WHAT DOES THE THEME “OUR VOICES” MEAN?

This year, the Rape Recovery Center has adopted the theme, Our Voices. Our Voices centers around the importance of empowering everyone to take part in addressing sexual violence in their communities while encouraging collective healing. We prioritize engaging diverse groups of survivors, activists, educators, families, professionals, and many others, to use their voices to speak out against sexual violence and to promote healing in our communities. 

Our Voices emphasizes the power that one voice can have in addressing sexual violence, and the impact of collective voices banding together to form a community in this effort. To effectively address sexual violence, we must all use our voices and create platforms for others to use their voices. Only this way can we effectively support survivors and end sexual violence. 

HOW CAN WE ALL USE OUR VOICES? 

Our Voices centers around the fundamental idea that everyone has the power to effect change in sexual violence prevention, awareness, advocacy, and healing. We all come from different backgrounds and can create vital platforms and perspectives to spread awareness of sexual violence in different communities. Whether that is in our homes, virtually, or in our communities, we can all do our part to uplift each other's voices.

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?

You have the power to use your voice in so many different ways!

• Posting on social media about how you are using your voice to end sexual violence

• Advocating for a local policy that would support survivors and sexual violence prevention efforts 

• Elevating the voices of those in the community who are working to end sexual violence

• Hosting a virtual town hall

• Hosting an online fundraiser for your local sexual assault center

• Sharing state and national resources for sexual assault awareness on social media

• Donating to a local sexual assault center, or highlighting their work on social media

SAAM IN THE NEWS

April 20, 2020: Gwenna Salazar talks with Stephany Murguia, the director of education and outreach for the Rape Recovery Center near Westminster campus. Murguria talks about the history of the RRC, the recent goal to increase resources in Spanish, and celebrating Sexual Assault Awareness month amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read story: Rape Recovery Center celebrates adapted Sexual Assault Awareness Month 

Listen to podcast

Community SAAM EVENTS

Her Campus Utah Supports the Rape Recovery Center | April 16, 2019 | 1pm - 8pm
Mention Her Campus Utah, and IHOP will donate 20% of the cost of your meal to the Rape Recovery Center.

Songs for Survivors | April 26, 2019 | 7pm - 11pm
Genre Zero is proud to host the fourth annual Songs for Survivors concert to benefit the Rape Recovery Center at Sugar Space Arts Warehouse.

Quick Info and FAQ

What does the theme I ask mean?

At its core SAAM is about preventing violence. I Ask is  a campaign that champions the power of asking- whether it be asking to hold someone’s hand, or permission to share personal information with others, or what we need from each other to change our communities.

I Ask is the statement by which individuals will demonstrate that asking for consent is a healthy, normal, and necessary part of everyday interactions.

I Ask is the statement by which we will uplift the importance of consent and empower each other to create safer communities.

What can we do to uplift consent?

Uplifting consent is about changing social norms that allow it to exist in the first place. We can all take steps to creating communities where everyone is empowered to recognize their own boundaries. Some ways you can do this are by:

• Consent is just another way to talk about  permission or boundaries, you can incorporate this topic within any space you are a part!

• You can focus on helping people in your life identify the ways they have felt empowered to speak about their boundaries.

• Invite us to come in and present on the topic. We know this isn’t always easy and we want to make it as easy as possible. We are happy to come in and talk to your students about what healthy communities can look like and how we can all create a consent-based culture!

How can I participate?

2019 SAAM events have been scheduled! Please check out the events above for a complete list of events, and click on any event for details!

Download the PDF of our SAAM 2018 Poster!

Thank you to Veronica Perez, Stenciljam, and Ellita for your collaboration on this poster! Please visit Nopalera Artist Collective to learn more about this artist collective.