Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – April is recognized nationally as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time to raise awareness, support survivors, and promote prevention efforts.
The Family Crisis Center, Inc. (FCC) invites the community to participate in several impactful events throughout April.
Wear Teal Day – April 7
FCC encourages the community to participate in the 2026 SAAM Day of Action by wearing teal on April 7. Teal is the color of sexual violence awareness and serves as a visible show of support for survivors.
Community members, businesses, and organizations are invited to join the movement by sharing photos, starting conversations, and helping spread awareness across Northeast Arkansas.
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting – Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) April 22 at 3:30 p.m.
FCC will host a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for its newly established Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) Center, a milestone in expanding access to survivor-centered care.
The stand-alone SASS facility provides:
- A welcoming, trauma-informed environment for survivors
- On-site sexual assault forensic exams conducted by trained SANEs
- Advocacy, support, and follow-up services
This new location allows survivors to receive care in a space designed specifically for healing—outside of a hospital setting—while also increasing accessibility for walk-ins and community visibility.
Community members, partners, and stakeholders are invited to attend and celebrate this important advancement in services.
3rd Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Seminar – April 23
- Free to attend
FCC will host its 3rd Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Seminar, bringing together professionals, advocates, and community members to learn, engage, and strengthen coordinated responses to sexual violence.
The seminar will feature expert speakers and discussions focused on:
- Trauma-informed response
- Survivor-centered care
- Collaboration across systems
- Prevention and community awareness
Register to attend or host an informational table here.
Sexual violence remains a widespread issue across the United States. National data released in January by the CDC shows that nearly half of women (45.1%) and more than one in six men (16.9%) experience some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of individuals experience sexual assault—many of whom never report.
Locally, the need for services continues to grow. Since October, FCC has completed 14 sexual assault forensic exams on-site at its Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) Center, while also supporting 10 additional exams conducted in hospital settings by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)—with advocacy provided by FCC’s team. During the same timeframe last year, FCC completed five on-site exams and supported four hospital-based exams.
This represents a 180% increase in services, highlighting both the growing demand and the critical importance of accessible, trauma-informed care in Northeast Arkansas.
About Family Crisis Center, Inc.
For nearly 40 years, Family Crisis Center has served Northeast Arkansas, providing life-saving services to individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Through its Sexual Assault Support Services program, FCC offers 24/7 advocacy, forensic exams, and trauma-informed care to adult survivors.
If you or someone you know needs help, FCC’s 24/7 Crisis Hotline is available at 870-933-9449.
