April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time for communities to come together to raise awareness about sexual violence and abuse, protect children, and support survivors by focusing on respect, safety, education, and accountability.
According to RAINN, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men have experienced attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. Nearly every minute, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted—and every nine minutes, that person is a child.
These statistics, alongside recent headlines, emphasize the urgency of sustaining the movement against sexual violence and prioritizing protection for vulnerable populations. Empower Yolo provides emergency services, safety, and resources for survivors of sexual assault and child abuse. Advocates help restore dignity by listening and empowering survivors to make informed decisions.
“I believe everyone deserves to be heard and to do what is best for them, especially when harm has occurred,” says Karen Comparán, CARE advocate. “When harm occurs, people are often left unsure how to respond because it challenges what should never be acceptable,” she adds. “That’s where advocacy plays a critical role.”
“As an advocate, my role is to inform and support survivors of their rights and options—particularly when they feel overlooked or unsupported,” says Comparán. “I value helping bridge the gap between information and support, which is why I’ve continued this work since 2018.”
Empower Yolo’s Concerned Advocates Responding to Emergencies (CARE) Team consists of certified peer counselors who provide 24-hour, on-call emergency response throughout Yolo County, including crisis intervention, accompaniment, safety planning, and advocacy.
“The role of a CARE advocate is to respond to sexual assault and human trafficking situations,” says Comparán. “Through trauma-informed advocacy, training, and cultural humility, we create space for survivors to evaluate their choices in a confidential setting.”
“Confidentiality is central—it fosters trust and open communication,” she explains. “At the same time, transparency about our limitations helps survivors make informed decisions.”
CARE advocates respond to call-outs from Empower Yolo’s 24-hour crisis line and referrals from law enforcement and the Bridging Evidence Assessment and Resources (BEAR) clinic.
“A survivor always has the option to do what is best for them,” Comparán says. “There are several paths—reporting to law enforcement, seeking medical care, or pursuing options through work or school.”
“Confidential support with an advocate or through the crisis line is always available to discuss options and safety planning,” she adds. “What matters most is that survivors are informed of their options and supported in whatever choice feels right for them.”
Empower Yolo’s CARE team works with the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), a coordinated, multidisciplinary, and victim-centered first response to survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking. SART members include victim advocates, both Empower Yolo’s CARE advocates and UC Davis CARE advocates, law enforcement detectives, District Attorney’s Office sex crimes team, forensic medical examiners, Department of Justice crime lab, and Cameron’s Place.
“SART advocates provide consistent follow-up,” says Comparán. “That coordination helps create a seamless experience, so survivors feel supported and heard.”
Empower Yolo continues to serve a significant number of survivors. In 2025, 268 survivors of sexual assault—133 of them children—received accompaniment, advocacy, and support services through SART.
Comparán’s message to survivors is clear and empowering: “You deserve to be heard, believed, and supported.” “What happened to you is not your fault,” she adds. “It does not define you.”
“No matter where you are in healing, it’s okay to prioritize your well-being and safety. You are not alone—your voice matters.”
Now more than ever, community involvement is essential to raising awareness, educating others, and protecting those most at risk.
Join Empower Yolo throughout the month for community engagement and fundraising events that directly support survivors, children, and families:
1) Wear Teal Day for sexual assault awareness is Tuesday, April 7, and Wear Blue Day for child abuse prevention is Friday, April 10.
2) The annual “Shower for the Shelter” supports the safe house. Donate new items on Saturday, April 11, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at 441 D Street in Davis, or drop off donations throughout April in Davis or Woodland during office hours. See the list of needs at empoweryolo.org.
3) DJUSD April Parent Empowerment Program (PEP) Talk: Understanding Sexual Assault & Supporting Students. Learn about child sexual abuse prevention, how to keep kids safe in virtual and physical spaces, how to respond to disclosures, reporting options, and ways to support survivors. Wednesday, April 15, 6:00–7:30 p.m. Register at https://bit.ly/PEPTalk-SAAM-April2026.
4) Participate in the Gallery Coffee event on Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Gallery Coffee Roasters in Woodland. Donate new hygiene items, cleaning products, or food.
5) National Crime Victims’ Rights Week takes place April 19–25, 2026. Attend the Crime Victims’ Tribute on Tuesday, April 21, 12–12:50 p.m. at the Woodland Opera House.
6) Wear jeans on Denim Day, Wednesday, April 29, to stand against harmful myths surrounding sexual violence.
7) Attend a Stewards of Children Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Workshop on April 23 (English) or April 30 (Spanish), 5–8 p.m. at Empower Yolo.
8) Support child abuse prevention programs on Big Day of Giving, Thursday, May 7 (early giving begins April 23 at empoweryolo.org).
9) Join Supervisor Lucas Frerichs’s “Party with a Purpose” benefiting Empower Yolo on May 27, 6–8 p.m. at Berryessa Brewing Company in Winters to support child abuse prevention programs. Enjoy a fun evening with food, live music, and connecting in community. Sponsor or purchase tickets at empoweryolo.org.
A strong community supports survivors of crime by being informed, compassionate, and ready to make a difference. “Understanding trauma and challenging harmful beliefs takes time,” Comparán says. “But by believing and supporting survivors, we can create a safer, more compassionate community. Supporting survivors is a shared responsibility—and communities can make a difference by prioritizing respect, safety, education, and accountability.”