City of Alexandria Recognizes National Alcohol Awareness and Sexual Assault Awareness Months

See a series of events and opportunities to get involved in alcohol awareness and sexual assault prevention.
Page updated on February 9, 2024 at 12:58 PM
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For immediate release: April 3, 2023

In recognition of National Alcohol Awareness Month and National Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria (SAPCA) and the Alexandria Sexual Assault Center (SAC) are hosting a series of events and activities encouraging residents to learn the risks associated with alcohol use and sexual violence as well as:

  • Learn the facts and consequences of youth alcohol use, including the legal consequences of providing alcohol to people under 21
  • Know that anyone can develop a substance use disorder and  treatment is available and recovery is possible
  • Focus on safety at youth and adult gatherings
  • Know that alcohol and other drug use is never an excuse to commit acts of sexual violence
  • Support survivors and join community prevention efforts

SAPCA and SAC invite youth, parents and caregivers, and all community members to get involved with the following prevention efforts and awareness activities:

  • Wear teal — the color of sexual violence prevention — on April 4. Chances are someone in your life is a survivor of sexual assault, even if they have never shared their story with you. Show your support by wearing teal.
  • Join SAPCA for the presentation of an Alcohol Awareness proclamation, April 11, 7 p.m., City Hall.
  • Check out SAPCA's "I don't drink because..." campaign. Alexandria City High School students created videos to encourage youth to be alcohol free and reinforce the social norm that the majority of youth in Alexandria do not drink alcohol-- a trend to get behind.
  • Attend the annual Sexual Assault Survivor’s Poetry Share virtually or at the Lee Center on April 26.
  • Wear jeans on Denim Day, April 26, to stand in solidarity with sexual assault survivors.
  • Participate in the annual virtual Sexual Assault Awareness 5K Run/Walk and tag photos with #TogetherWeCan #RespectProtectEmpower to share why you're running/walking.
  • Spread the word about the Titan Takeover Teen Night on April 28 from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. at William Ramsay Rec Center, a safe and free event for Alexandria youth featuring a DJ, photo booth, dinner, gift card raffles, games, DIY self-care kit stations, and a Denim Day activity.
  • Sign up for SAPCA’s e-newsletter, follow SAPCA on Facebook and Twitter, and visit SAPCA’s website to stay informed about upcoming events and ways to get involved.
  • Contact SAC Volunteer Coordinator Grace Brown to learn about opportunities, including joining a committee on education to reduce drug and alcohol related sexual assault.
  • Visit SAC’s website for resources for survivors of sexual assault and their families and friends.
  • Follow Alexandria Teen Life on Instagram for inspiring messages and information on living a healthy life.

Sexual assault is a crime that occurs when a person is forced, threatened or coerced into sexual contact or attention. This includes when they are unable to consent due to age, illness, disability or the influence of alcohol or other drugs.  Anyone can experience sexual violence – it is never the survivor’s fault. Survivors may experience a range of emotional, psychological and physical reactions. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals that identify as LGBTQ+ experience a higher rate of sexual violence. Whether it happened recently or years ago, it can impede daily functioning. 

Support is available. SAC offers a 24/7 hotline and a range of services for survivors and their supporters. In case of an emergency and for life-threatening situations, always call 911. 

SAPCA provides tools and resources for residents to engage youth in conversations on the dangers of alcohol and other substances. Remember too that adult drinking behavior influences youth, so it is important to model healthy coping mechanisms. Access a wide range of resources for coping with stress in the City’s Wellness Resource Guide and easy-to-share handouts with tips for coping with fear and uncertainty.

Together, we can ensure that youth in Alexandria have the information and tools they need to make informed choices about their actions and health, so they can thrive today, tomorrow and in the future.

For inquiries from the news media, contact Emma Beall at emma.beall@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3670.

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