WomenVetsUSA

« Observances

National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

April 1-30, 2026

For more information, visit the following links:

Presidential Proclamation--National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

Note 1:  Protect Our Defenders (POD) warned that the Department of Defense January 2025 program rollbacks would shrink the talent pool and threaten military readiness.  Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, then walked back his plan to cut military sexual assault & harassment prevention and response programs.  Secretary Hegseth and military leadership now claim that these programs are being “revised” rather than eliminated. However, the fact remains that these programs were explicitly included in an original cancellation directive.

This abrupt policy shift has created widespread confusion among recruiters and service members. There is still no clear timeline for when—or if—these programs will be fully restored.

Article Link: https://www.protectourdefenders.com/statement-sexual-assault-prevention-programs-slashed-as-military-faces-recruitment-shortfall-updated/

Note 2:  The United States White House under the Donald J. Trump Administration, removed their Presidential proclamations page in January/February 2025, apparently in compliance with their government-wide abolishment of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Previously, Administrations posted an annual proclamation.

Department of Veterans Affairs

Department of Defense

Protect Our Defenders (POD)

Servicewomen's Action Network (SWAN)

WomenVetsUSA News/Media/Library

National Guard Sexual Assault Prevention & Response (SAPR) Program

National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline (RAINN)

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence/Project Opal

National Domestic Violence Hotline