April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). In support of the victims/ survivors of this violent crime, the Sequoyah County Coordinated Community Response/ Sexual Assault Response Team/Domestic Violence Response/Sexual Assault Response Team (CCR/SART) has a few events planned.

“The public is welcome to join us as we believe education, training and awareness are essential in ending sexual violence,” says Cindy Smith, investigator with the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit. “Let us all choose to be ambassadors of change.”

Smith said the following events have been scheduled:

April 14

The Sequoyah County CCR/SART will host a Glow Stick Walk 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Muldrow Town Park to shine a light on the horrific crime of sexual violence. “Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted, and every nine minutes, that victim is a child. Eighty percent of the women will be sexually assaulted by the time they are 25 years old.” Meanwhile, only a fraction of cases are ever reported, and of that, a smaller fraction of perin petrators will end up in prison. Help us bring awareness to sexual assault. Everyone is invited to participate in the walk in support of victims/ survivors of sexual assault. Glow sticks and water will be provided, and your presence is important to make this event successful.

April 30

The Sequoyah County CCR/SART encourages everyone to join in for Denim Day 2025 in support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. “Denim Day is recognized on a Wednesday in April in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The campaign began after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court to overturn a rape conviction because the justices believed that since the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped the person who raped her remove them, thereby implying consent. Following the reversal, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim.” Everyone is encouraged to show their support by wearing denim and take pics of yourself and your friends, family and/or co-workers and post it on social media with #denimday or #SAAM.