Palm Beach County Marks 25th Anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of its nationwide recognition. Palm Beach County Department of Public Safety, Victim Services Division, invites the community to participate in a series of activities and displays.

The Field of Hope display, honoring survivors of sexual assault served by the agency over the past year, is featured at four locations throughout the County. The display features 588 small flags, each representing a survivor. Informational signs in English, Spanish, and Creole detail the meaning of the installation.

Sexual assault remains a significantly underreported crime, and many survivors never seek formal support. Field of Hope sends the message that survivors are not alone and that help is available.

The public is encouraged to visit the following sites throughout April:

• The Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum
  300 N. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
• Pahokee Library
  525 Bacom Point Rd., Pahokee, FL 33476
• Acreage Branch Library
  15801 Orange Blvd., Loxahatchee, FL 33470
• Hagen Ranch Road Branch Library
  14350 Hagen Ranch Rd., Delray Beach, FL 33446

On Saturday, April 11, martial arts school Ground Control Palm Beach will offer a free self-defense class. The class will take place from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 4230 Northlake Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. Space is limited to 100 participants. The class is open to individuals ages 14 and up. To register, call Ground Control at (561) 781-5595.

Public Safety Department, Victim Services Division, empowers victims of violent crimes by offering a safe, compassionate space for healing, while striving for justice and community awareness. Practicing self-defense techniques can improve both personal safety and confidence, helping individuals feel more secure in their daily lives.

Palm Beach County also invites the community to participate in an awareness walk ahead of the official SAAM proclamation.

Survivors, advocates, and community members will gather at the West Palm Beach Police Department at 8:30 a.m. on April 14 to walk together with signs and banners calling for an end to sexual violence and support for survivors. The walk will conclude at the Governmental Center for the proclamation.

Attendees are encouraged to wear teal, the globally recognized color for sexual assault awareness and prevention. The walk aims to raise awareness, show solidarity with survivors, and encourage community action.

Together, we can support survivors and help prevent sexual violence. If you or someone you know needs support, call Palm Beach County Public Safety Department Victim Services Division at 561-833-7273.

For more information on SAAM, visit: https://linktr.ee/SAAM2026