April 2023 marks the official 22nd anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Sexual Assault Awareness Month calls attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every person in the community. SAAM aims to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. On April 7, 2023, Dublin California’s Parks Reserve Forces Training Area (PRFTA)hosted the Rock Against Rape Concert in support of “Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month” at the PRFTA Track area.
The concert featured the 191st Band of the West playing music from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and current rock hits! Various community outreach partners, joined in harmony to support Rock Against Rape Concert, which included members representing our Alameda County District Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Unit, Livermore’s Tri Valley Haven, Hively, and the Family Violence Law Center.
These vital community agencies engaged in unison with attendees listening to stories and sharing our various resources offered to the community and military. PRFTA and the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Program Office will continue to host events throughout the month of April to raise awareness of Sexual Assault and Harassment. The history of Sexual Assault Awareness month has shown us that, no matter what, those who want to end sexual assault and abuse will always find ways to advocate for awareness and prevention. Looking forward, with community based events such as PRFTA’s Rock Against Rape Concert, we can be sure that Sexual Assault Awareness month community based events such as these will continue to grow, bringing even more awareness and reaching even more audiences with the message that a world free of sexual assault and abuse is possible.