This year marks the 25th anniversary of sustained sexual assault awareness efforts in Prince William County. This milestone calls for reflection and renewed commitment.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It is a time to elevate survivor voices, strengthen prevention efforts, and reaffirm community responsibility.
Sexual assault remains a serious issue across our county. Survivors include children, teens, adults, and elders. Many assaults go unreported. Fear and stigma keep survivors from seeking help. The impact extends to families, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
For 25 years, Action in Community Through Service has stood with survivors. Advocacy. Crisis response. Counseling. Safety planning. These services restore dignity and support healing. Demand continues to rise, especially during periods of stress and isolation.
Looking back, awareness strengthened systems. Response protocols improved. Survivor centered care became the standard. Partnerships grew across law enforcement, healthcare, and education.
Moving forward requires action. Prevention education must expand. Reporting pathways must feel safe. Services must remain accessible without barriers. Community members must speak up, support survivors, and challenge behavior rooted in abuse of power.
This work belongs to all of us in Prince William County. Awareness matters. Action protects. Support heals.
If you or someone you know needs help, ACTS remains here. We will listen. We will respond. We will stand with survivors today and in the years ahead.
Dr. Stan Jones
Chief Executive Officer
Action in Community Through Service
