ZCenter Marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month with Action and Awareness

April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a national campaign dedicated to increasing understanding of sexual violence, supporting survivors, and strengthening prevention efforts across the country.

Sexual violence remains a serious issue both nationally and in Illinois. In the U.S., someone is sexually assaulted approximately every 68 seconds, with over 400,000 people experiencing sexual violence annually. In Illinois, roughly 4,000–5,000 sexual assaults are reported to law enforcement each year, though many survivors never report due to fear, stigma, or lack of support. Sexual assault service providers across the state support thousands of survivors each year through counseling, advocacy, and crisis services, while also reaching community members through prevention education and outreach.

In the Chicagoland area, the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual abuse through advocacy, counseling, and education. ZCenter provides free, confidential services to individuals of all ages, as well as support for their families and loved ones. With locations in Gurnee and Skokie, ZCenter expands its reach across Lake County and Northern Cook County.

“Sexual violence affects everyone in our communities, and supporting survivors is a responsibility we all share,”said Sandy T. Williams, CEO of ZCenter. “Through education, advocacy, and events like Standing Silent Witness, we aim to create spaces where survivors feel seen, heard, and supported, and where communities can come together to prevent abuse before it happens.”

In recognition of SAAM, ZCenter will host their annual Standing Silent Witness demonstrations, a nationally recognized movement that centers survivor voices in public spaces. During these events, community members, supporters, and survivors gather and stand in silence for one hour, holding signs that share real words and experiences of survivors — a simple yet striking way to show that they are seen, heard, and supported. ZCenter encourages attendees to make their own signs, use one of ZCenter’s signs, and wear teal, the official color of SAAM.

Event Dates:

• Friday, April 17, 12:00–1:00 PM – ZCenter Skokie Location, 4232 Dempster St, Skokie, IL
• Friday, April 24, 12:00–1:00 PM – Lake County Courthouse, 18 N County St, Waukegan, IL

Additionally, TODAY, ZCenter kicks off the “What We Carry” social media campaign which highlights survivor resilience, raises awareness, and invites communities to take action. Survivors and supporters are encouraged to share a meaningful object, symbol, or practice that represents strength, healing, or protection. Participants post a photo or video with a short caption about what they “carry.”

Example: “This is what I carry—and why I support survivors. Join me in supporting @ZCenter and share what you carry."

For more information on services, events, and how to get involved, visit www.zcenter.org.