April Awareness in South Dakota: Supporting Survivors and Protecting Children

April is a time of national awareness and action. It marks both Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to focus on supporting survivors, protecting children, and strengthening communities.

Across South Dakota, advocates, prevention professionals, and community partners work every day to ensure individuals and families have access to safety, support, and resources. These awareness months provide an opportunity to highlight that work and encourage communities to take part in prevention and support efforts.

Access ready-to-use posts and graphics in our April Awareness Guide.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) takes place each April and is a nationwide effort to increase understanding of sexual violence, support survivors, and promote prevention through education, community engagement, and bystander intervention.

This year, marks a significant milestone 25 years of national awareness and advocacy. The theme, “25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward,” reflects both the progress made and the work still ahead. As highlighted by the campaign, this anniversary is a time to honor survivors and advocates who have shaped the movement, while recommitting to prevention, healing, and meaningful action for the future. 

The campaign emphasizes that sexual violence is a broad issue that includes assault, harassment, abuse, and exploitation, all of which impact individuals, families, and entire communities. It also reinforces a central message: everyone has a role to play in prevention, whether through education, supporting survivors, or helping shift social norms that allow harm to occur.

This message is especially important in states like South Dakota, where rates of sexual violence remain higher than the national average. SAAM provides an opportunity for communities to come together, not only to raise awareness but to take tangible steps toward prevention, increase access to survivor resources, and build a culture rooted in respect and safety.

Each April, Child Abuse Prevention Month highlights the vital role communities play in nurturing safe, stable, and supportive environments where children can thrive. In South Dakota, recent child welfare data shows why this focus remains critical:

• In 2023, approximately 1,445 children were identified as victims of maltreatment, a figure that includes a range of abuse types from neglect to physical and sexual abuse.

• Of maltreatment cases in the latest data, around 5.7% involved sexual abuse, and roughly 10.6% involved physical abuse.

• Neglect continues to make up the majority of maltreatment cases, but every form of abuse, including emotional and physical harm, carries long‑term consequences for child development and wellbeing.

Child Abuse Prevention Month calls attention to both community responsibility and the importance of early intervention. Communities also embrace awareness through visual campaigns (like pinwheel gardens and blue ribbons) and local events that bring together parents, educators, health professionals, and neighbors, all united by a simple message: children deserve safe and nurturing environments where they can grow without fear. Learn how to keep kids safer.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is observed April 19–25, 2026. This is a time to honor survivors, raise awareness about victims’ rights, and recognize the advocates and professionals who support them.

Since its establishment in 1981, this national observance has encouraged communities to strengthen services, promote justice, and ensure that all victims are treated with dignity and respect.

During this week, organizations across South Dakota and the nation highlight the importance of listening to survivors, advocating for their rights, and improving access to services. The 2026 theme, “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect Victims, Serve Communities,” reflects the ongoing commitment to supporting survivors and strengthening community responses.

Learn more about the history, purpose, and how to support victims in South Dakota.

April is a time to raise awareness, honor survivors, and support families. Join us in showing your commitment to prevention, advocacy, and community safety.

Key Dates in April 2026:

• April 7: Wear Teal Day
  Wear teal and share photos to support Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
• April 10: Wear Blue Day
  Wear blue to show support for child abuse prevention statewide.
• April 19–25: National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
  Honor crime victims and survivors while raising awareness of victims’ rights and available services.

• April 29: Denim Day
  Raise awareness about victim-blaming and harmful myths surrounding sexual assault.

• Throughout April: Pinwheels for Prevention
  Display blue pinwheels as a symbol of safe, happy, and healthy childhoods.

Access ready-to-use posts and graphics in our April Awareness Guide.

Start Conversations About Prevention

Prevention begins with everyday conversations. You can:

• Talk about consent and healthy relationships
• Encourage safe environments for children
• Challenge harmful myths about violence

These actions help build safer communities over time.

Get Involved in South Dakota

Looking for ways to participate this April?

• Find local events in your community
• Join us on Facebook and help spread the word by sharing our posts all month long!

Beyond April

April is a time to raise awareness, support survivors, and promote prevention, but this work continues year-round.

Together, we can support survivors, protect children, and strengthen communities across South Dakota.