CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (April 1, 2026) – The Carteret County Board of Commissioners proclaimed April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) during its March 31 meeting. The County joins Carteret S.P.E.A.K. and the nation in recognizing the 25th anniversary of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The proclamation focuses on educating the community about how to prevent sexual assault and how to provide support for survivors. The 2026 SAAM theme, “25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward,” is a call to action for the Crystal Coast community. It asks residents to honor survivors and work toward a future where every person in Carteret County feels safe and respected.

Carteret S.P.E.A.K. (which stands for Support, Prevention, Empowerment, Advocacy, and Knowledge) remains the primary resource for survivors in the county.

"This month is about more than just awareness; it’s about solidarity," said Vicki Wank, Carteret S.P.E.A.K. director. "By looking back at how far we’ve come and moving forward with a focus on healing, we can continue to change the culture right here in our own backyard."

Sexual violence is a broad term for any unwanted sexual contact. This includes harassment, stalking, and sharing images without consent. Recent data shows the importance of this issue, revealing that over 53% of women and 29% of men experience contact sexual violence in their lifetime. Most survivors are harmed by someone they know, which shows why community awareness is so important.

“We are here to let survivors know we believe them, it is not their fault, and they are not alone,” Wank said.

Carteret S.P.E.A.K. invites residents, local businesses, and community leaders to attend three main events in April:

• Take Back the Night: 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 7: Carteret S.P.E.A.K. office, 300 Penny Lane, Morehead City. Visitors can browse a plant sale, learn about services for survivors, and join a walk of solidarity.
• TAPS, Talent, Art, Poetry Social: 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 18: Morehead City Parks and Recreation, 1600 Fisher St. Call 252-504-3668 to register. All are welcome to share their talents or watch others celebrate community through songs, art, and poetry.
• Denim Day: Wednesday, April 29: Residents are encouraged to wear denim to work or school to speak out against myths that blame victims. This global movement started after a 1998 court ruling wrongly suggested a victim's tight jeans implied consent.

Carteret S.P.E.A.K. provides crisis help, support, and prevention services to survivors across Carteret County. Through education and outreach, the program works to build a safer environment for everyone. The program’s mission is to help neighbors find their voices while encouraging the community to speak up for survivors and take steps toward prevention.

Community members can support the program by attending events, volunteering, or sharing resources. For help or more information, please contact 252-504-3668. For more resources, visit carteretcountync.gov/SPEAK.

###