The Council of the District of Columbia has passed a resolution declaring April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This initiative aims to raise awareness about sexual violence, including sexual assault, abuse, harassment, online harassment, and sex trafficking. The resolution highlights the historical context of the movement, tracing its roots back to the civil rights movement and the activism of Black women. It emphasizes the alarming statistics surrounding sexual violence, noting that a significant portion of the population, including both men and women, will experience some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime.

The resolution calls on residents to support victim-survivors and engage in prevention efforts. It acknowledges the various forms of sexual violence that exist on a spectrum and the specific vulnerabilities faced by different communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. By designating April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Council seeks to foster a community-wide commitment to addressing and preventing sexual violence in all its forms.