URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — Rape Advocacy Counseling & Education Services is marking the 25th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April with a renewed focus on prevention, education and community collaboration across East Central Illinois.
The national observance, recognized each April, highlights the importance of supporting survivors while working to prevent sexual violence. This year’s theme, “25 Years Strong: Looking Back, Moving Forward,” emphasizes both progress made and the work still ahead.
Local leaders say awareness alone is not enough. “Every conversation, service and policy in support of survivors is not only advocacy—it’s prevention,” organizers said in a release.
RACES, which has served the region for more than 50 years, provides free and confidential services to survivors of sexual violence and stalking. The organization also works with schools, community groups and local partners to educate the public and reduce risk factors tied to abuse.
Statistics cited by the organization show that nearly half of women and about one in six men experience contact sexual violence in their lifetime. In most cases, survivors report knowing the person responsible.
To address those realities, RACES is focusing on two key priorities this year: building capacity among parents and caregivers to foster safer environments, and strengthening partnerships with local organizations to expand prevention efforts.
Throughout April, RACES will host a series of free events aimed at education, healing and advocacy. These include “Know Your Reproductive Rights” on April 1, “Teal Tuesday” on April 7, “Taking Back the Narrative” on April 18, “Healing Through the Senses” on April 24 and “Denim Day” on April 29.
The initiative brings together multiple community partners, including healthcare providers, advocacy groups and local governments, to promote a unified approach to ending sexual violence.
Organizers say the goal is to empower residents to take an active role in prevention—whether through education, open conversations or community involvement.
RACES serves Champaign, Douglas, Ford and Piatt counties and encourages anyone interested in participating or learning more to reach out for additional information.
As the month begins, advocates say the message is clear: prevention starts at the community level, and everyone has a role to play in creating safer environments.