April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time to recognize survivors, raise awareness, and reaffirm our shared responsibility to create safer, more supportive communities across Washington state.
Governor Bob Ferguson has officially proclaimed April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Washington, formally recognizing the critical importance of trauma-informed advocacy, prevention, and the ongoing commitment to supporting survivors throughout the state.
At the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, this work is not limited to one month. It is reflected in how we train, engage, and prepare public safety professionals to respond with care, professionalism, and accountability.
“Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an important reminder that how we show up matters,” said Interim Executive Director Jerrell Wills. “Our role in public safety is not only to investigate, but to ensure every person is treated with dignity and respect during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.”
Sexual assault impacts people of every gender, age, and background. For law enforcement and public safety professionals, the response to these incidents carries a lasting impact. Survivors often remember how they were treated in the moments immediately following harm. That reality shapes how we approach training at WSCJTC.
Training that centers on people and accountability
WSCJTC delivers specialized training that equips officers with the skills to respond thoughtfully and effectively to sexual assault. .
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in a career-long training continuum that embeds foundational trauma-informed mindsets at the Basic Academy, refines preliminary investigative skills for Patrol, and delivers specialized, advanced strategies for Detectives and Supervisors, ensuring a rigorous and victim-centered response at every level.
Our training reflects a broader commitment. Officers are prepared to understand the complexities of trauma, communicate with clarity and respect, and support investigative processes that are both thorough and legally sound. These skills are essential to building trust and ensuring that survivors feel heard and supported throughout the process.
“Our training is designed to prepare professionals for real-world situations with care and accountability,” Wills said. “We focus on giving officers the tools they need to respond thoughtfully, support survivors, and carry out investigations that are thorough and just.”
Advancing response through collaboration
Training does not stop in the classroom. On April 30, WSCJTC will host the Sexual Assault Investigations Summit: Advancing Response, bringing together law enforcement, prosecutors, victim advocates, sexual assault nurse examiners, and policymakers from across the state.
The summit provides a full day of learning focused on current challenges and emerging best practices, including the complexities of drug-facilitated sexual assault. Participants will hear from national experts and engage in practical discussions on evidence collection, survivor-centered interviewing, and case development.
This type of collaboration strengthens Washington’s response to sexual assault. It ensures professionals across disciplines are aligned, informed, and equipped to support survivors while pursuing accountability.
“Bringing professionals together across disciplines is critical to improving outcomes,” Wills said. “The summit reflects our commitment to continuous learning and to strengthening how we respond as a system.”
Why this matters
Sexual assault cases require a careful, informed response. They often involve complex evidence, sensitive interviews, and individuals navigating trauma. How public safety professionals respond can influence whether survivors continue through the process and whether cases move forward.
WSCJTC’s role is to prepare professionals for these realities. Our training is grounded in research, law, and community needs. It reflects our responsibility to serve with integrity and to support outcomes that are both just and respectful.
This April, WSCJTC staff are also participating in Sexual Assault Awareness Month through the Ribbons of Resilience campaign. A station in the lobby invites staff to write messages of encouragement or support and add them to a growing display. Each ribbon reflects a shared commitment to fostering a workplace grounded in empathy, dignity, and support for survivors.
Moving forward together
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a reminder that awareness must be paired with action. At WSCJTC, that action takes the form of training, collaboration, and a continued commitment to improving how we serve communities across Washington.
“Supporting survivors and building trust in our communities requires ongoing commitment,” Wills said. “We will continue to lead with training, partnership, and a focus on doing this work the right way.”
As part of that commitment, WSCJTC will host the Sexual Assault Investigations Summit: Advancing Response, a statewide training focused on improving sexual assault investigations and survivor-centered response. The summit brings together professionals from across disciplines to strengthen collaboration, share best practices, and improve outcomes for survivors. Learn more about the sexual assault investigations summit and training event in Washington state.