Sexual Assault Awareness Month UHD Walking with Purpose

This April, in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) partnered with the University of Houston-Downtown, College of Public Service and Department of Criminal Justice and Social Work for Walk a Mile in Her Shoes—a powerful event that turned everyday steps into statements of solidarity, compassion and change.

For over 20 years, men, women, and their families around the world have joined Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®: The International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence. Here in Houston, people from all walks of life—students, staff, advocates and allies—came together to take a symbolic walk in support of survivors of sexual violence. Some wore heels, others held signs and many simply walked. But each step carried the same message: we believe survivors, and we are walking with them.

It wasn’t just a march—it was a moment. A moment to raise awareness. A moment to support survivors. A moment to say, “You are not alone.”

This year, HAWC’s message during SAAM goes beyond awareness—it calls for S.U.P.P.O.R.T. Which stands for: Strength. Understanding. Protection. Prevention. Outreach. Resources. Trust.

These are the pillars of our commitment to survivors. That action was felt throughout the UHD campus during the walk. Participants took time to talk, reflect, and learn—some for the first time—about the realities of sexual violence in our communities.

Why We Walk

  • Every 68 seconds, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.
  • 8 out of 10 sexual assaults are committed by someone the survivor knows.
  • Less than 10% of survivors report their assault to law enforcement.

These statistics are not just numbers—they represent people, stories and trauma that often go unseen and unheard. That’s why HAWC continues to lead critical initiatives like the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), working hand-in-hand with hospitals, law enforcement, and other partners to improve how our community responds to sexual violence.

Support Beyond the Walk

At HAWC, support doesn’t end when the event is over. Through services like hospital accompaniment, legal advocacy, counseling, and a 24/7 bilingual hotline, survivors can access compassionate, trauma-informed care the moment they need it most.

Now, with our new 5.5-acre campus, One Safe Place Houston, we’re providing a safe, healing environment where survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and sex trafficking can rebuild their lives. With 135 apartment units and a 24-hour crisis response center, survivors are no longer alone—they have a community ready to walk beside them.

April may be Sexual Assault Awareness Month, but support is a year-round commitment. Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Share resources and talk about consent, boundaries, and safety with your network.
  • Support survivors with your time, voice, or donation.
  • Learn more about HAWC’s services and follow us on social media to stay connected.

Together, we can create a city and a future where survivors are believed, protected and empowered.

Because support is more than a word. It's a movement. 

SUPPORT NOW

On behalf of the Houston Area Women’s Center, we thank the College of Public Service, Department of Criminal Justice and Social Work and everyone who participated. We appreciate your time and effort in preventing violence for ALL. Thank you for walking with survivors.