April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month: What to Do, Where to Turn, and How We Support Survivors

Each April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) serves as a national call to action—an opportunity to elevate conversations around prevention, healing, and accountability. At Teton Valley Health Care (TVHC), we believe that awareness is the first step in creating real, lasting change. This year’s theme, Together We Act, United We Change, invites us all to participate in building a safer, more compassionate community.

What to Do If You Experience Sexual Assault

If you or someone you know experiences sexual assault, it’s essential to understand what steps to take—and just as importantly, what not to do.

• Survivors are encouraged to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Although it may feel instinctive to clean up or change clothes, preserving evidence is critical if a forensic exam will be part of the process. That means avoiding bathing, brushing teeth, or laundering any clothing worn during the assault.
• Survivors should know that they are not alone. Reaching out to a trusted medical provider, friend, advocate, or community resource can be the first step in healing.
• And perhaps most importantly, survivors must be reminded: the blame never lies with them.

The SANE Program at TVHC: Trauma-Informed Medical Care

Teton Valley Health Care is here to provide compassionate support. Our SANE program (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) offers trauma-informed care to survivors of all ages—children, adolescents, and adults. Services include medical screenings, sexual assault exams, and forensic evidence collection. The optimal window for evidence collection is within 72 hours (3 days) of the assault, but TVHC can still collect forensic evidence up to 120 hours (5 days) after the incident. We also offer STD and pregnancy testing, prophylactic medications, clothing collection, and diagnostic imaging when needed. Even if a survivor comes to us outside the evidence collection timeframe, we can still provide support, exams, and resources tailored to their needs. No one should feel it’s too late to come forward or get help. If our SANE nurse is unavailable, we will assist with transferring your care to the next closest facility.

At Teton Valley Health Care, we are here—ready to provide survivors the care, compassion, and guidance to begin healing. Together, we can create a community where every person feels safe, supported, and seen.

Community Partnership: Family Safety Network

While TVHC provides medical care and clinical expertise, our commitment to survivor support extends beyond our doors. Through our partnership with the Family Safety Network (FSN), survivors can access a powerful range of advocacy services. FSN is a vital community organization offering crisis intervention, emergency shelter, safety planning, and emotional support. Their trained advocates accompany survivors to medical visits, assist with obtaining protection orders, and help with victims’ compensation applications, which may help cover the cost of counseling, treatment, or lost wages. FSN provides travel assistance and safe housing solutions for individuals facing transportation or relocation barriers. Though they do not provide legal advice, FSN helps survivors connect with trusted legal resources and child abuse prevention programs. Their commitment to walking alongside survivors during every step of the healing process makes them an indispensable partner in this work.

Emotional Healing: The Mental Health Coalition of Teton Valley

Equally essential to recovery is access to mental health care. That’s where the Mental Health Coalition of Teton Valley (MHC) comes in. The MHC team identifies and removes barriers that often prevent survivors from receiving the emotional and psychological support they need. Through the Community Counseling Fund, MHC provides free or income-based therapy with licensed counselors. For younger survivors, school-based counseling ensures access to mental health support in a familiar and safe environment. In addition to direct services, MHC also provides trauma-informed training and educational workshops to help our broader community understand the impacts of sexual violence and how best to support those affected. Their work ensures that emotional healing remains a priority—and that survivors are never left to navigate trauma alone.

SAAM 2025: Weekly Focus Areas

Throughout April, SAAM highlights different focus areas to help us reflect and engage.

1. We begin by welcoming the conversation and building awareness.
2. From there, we move toward action by learning about the impact of sexual violence and exploring ways to prevent it.
3. In the third week, we honor and uplift the voices of survivors, particularly those who may be the most vulnerable or marginalized in our community.
4. Week four encourages us to act together by offering tools and strategies for collective prevention.
5. Finally, the month concludes by looking ahead—united in our commitment to creating a safer tomorrow.

How You Can Help

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is not just about raising awareness—it’s about taking meaningful action. You can play a role by educating yourself and others, supporting local organizations like TVHC, FSN, and MHC, and creating safe, respectful environments in your daily life. If you or someone you know has questions or concerns, your Primary Care Provider is a trusted resource. Reach out for information, support, or help navigating available services. At Teton Valley Health Care, we are here—ready to provide survivors the care, compassion, and guidance to begin healing. Together, we can create a community where every person feels safe, supported, and seen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I seek medical attention after a sexual assault?
Forensic evidence collection is most effective within 72 hours (3 days) of the assault. However, Teton Valley Health Care can still provide forensic exams and collect evidence up to 120 hours (5 days) after the incident.

What if more than five days have passed since the assault?
You can and should still seek help outside the ideal forensic window. TVHC can provide STD and pregnancy testing, preventative medications, and medical exams. If applicable, unwashed clothing can still be collected as evidence, and medical imaging or documentation may still be appropriate. Reporting an assault is always your choice—and it’s never too late to talk to someone.

Can I receive care without reporting the assault to law enforcement?
Yes. Seeking medical attention or undergoing a forensic exam does not require filing a police report. Your care at TVHC is confidential and focused on your well-being and safety. Still, we are mandated reporters, meaning that if the survivor is a minor, or if during the assault they were beaten, strangled, or held at knife or gunpoint, we are legally required to report the incident to law enforcement and, in some cases, to Child Protective Services (CPS). For survivors over the age of 18, reporting to law enforcement is not mandatory unless these specific violent actions occurred during the assault, in which case, we are legally required to report certain information to law enforcement.

Do I have to go through this alone?
No. You can have an advocate from the Family Safety Network accompany you to medical visits and exams. You can also bring a trusted friend or family member if you choose. You are never alone—support is here for you!

What mental health resources are available for survivors?
The Mental Health Coalition of Teton Valley offers free or income-based therapy through the Community Counseling Fund and school-based counseling for young survivors. They also provide trauma-informed training and help connect individuals with long-term support.

Who do I contact if I’m not sure where to start?
Your Primary Care Provider is a safe and trusted place to start. They can help you access medical care, advocacy services, or mental health support. If it is an emergency or after hours, TVHC can still assist you. If our SANE nurse is unavailable, we will assist with transferring your care to the next closest facility.