“You Are Not Alone”: Indiana Campaign Urges Sexual Assault Survivors to Speak Out and Seek Help

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Vanderburgh County Prosecuting Attorney Diana Moers has announced a regional public awareness campaign aimed at supporting survivors of sexual violence and encouraging them to report assaults. In partnership with the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) serving Vanderburgh, Warrick, Posey, and Gibson Counties in Indiana, the campaign is focused on making sure victims know they are not alone—and that help is always available.

Sexual violence continues to impact millions of Americans each year. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 734,000 people aged 12 or older were victims of rape or sexual assault in 2022. Studies show that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the U.S. experience contact sexual violence during their lifetime. Yet despite the widespread nature of these crimes, fewer than 30% of survivors report them to law enforcement, often due to fear, shame, or uncertainty about what comes next.

That’s why this campaign is so crucial. Victims in Southwestern Indiana are being encouraged to call 911 to report incidents and seek medical care at local hospitals, where specially trained medical staff are equipped to respond with compassion and professionalism. Law enforcement officers and hospital personnel can also connect survivors with trained advocates who offer emotional support and guidance through both the investigative and legal processes.

At the heart of this effort in Indiana is the Vanderburgh County Crime Victim Resources (VCCVR) platform, available at www.vccvr.org. The digital hub offers 24/7 access to secure, confidential information and services—connecting survivors directly with legal, medical, and advocacy support without the need to navigate bureaucracy or wait for referrals. By streamlining access to these resources, VCCVR helps ensure that no one has to face trauma alone or wonder where to turn.

This regional effort also aligns with the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s (NSVRC) 24th annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) campaign, themed “Together We Act, United We Change.” NSVRC, a national nonprofit focused on preventing and responding to sexual violence, launched the 2025 campaign to highlight the importance of collective action in addressing abuse, assault, and harassment. The theme emphasizes that preventing sexual violence starts with each of us—at home, in schools, in workplaces, and in communities.

The national campaign kicked off April 1 with a “Day of Action,” where supporters were invited to wear teal—the color of sexual violence prevention—and post messages of solidarity on social media using #SAAM2025. Throughout the month, NSVRC is offering educational resources in English and Spanish, a public service announcement airing on the NFL Network, and a “SAAM Day of Giving” on April 23 with a goal of raising $2,500 for prevention and survivor services. The campaign will culminate in a celebration of Respect Together’s 50th anniversary on April 30 in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

“Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a time when communities across the country bring attention to the widespread issue of sexual violence and commit to take meaningful action,” said NSVRC Communications Director Laura Palumbo. “By declaring ‘Together We Act, United We Change,’ we underscore the power of working together to create safer, more respectful environments for all.”

Launched nationally in 2001, SAAM has grown into a month-long movement aimed at educating the public, amplifying the voices of survivors, and promoting real solutions. This year’s theme celebrates decades of advocacy while reminding everyone—lawmakers, neighbors, and leaders alike—that preventing sexual violence requires a united front.

In Indiana and across the nation, the message is the same: survivors deserve support, respect, and resources. Sexual violence is preventable. And no one should ever have to suffer in silence.

To report an assault, call 911. To explore available resources, visit vccvr.org. To join the national awareness effort, visit nsvrc.org/saam.