Concert, art exhibit & more planned in Centre County for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
As part of April serving as national Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), Centre Safe will spread awareness and education throughout Centre County, emphasizing the theme of “Looking Back, Moving Forward: Turning Awareness into Action.”
Centre Safe continues celebrations in honor of its 50th anniversary, honoring decades of tireless work supporting victims and survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking in Centre County.
As we honor the work of Centre Safe, we also want to honor the lived experiences of thousands of victims and survivors who have had to navigate trauma and healing. We must remember that sexual assault, at its core, is a devastating abuse of power — one that affects people of every identity. It is on all of us to stand up and speak out against it, not only to improve the laws and services available to victims and survivors, but also to change the culture and attitudes that allow sexual assault to remain so pervasive.
“Looking Back, Moving Forward: Turning Awareness into Action” shows Pennsylvania’s journey to ending sexual abuse, assault and harassment. It honors the survivors, the advocates and the centers. Those who came before and those who will continue to work to build stronger communities. This theme asks everyone in Pennsylvania to turn awareness into real action. That means creating safety, supporting healing, and making lasting change. Together we can learn, speak out, and unite to create safer communities and a future free from harm.
Events include:
Take Back the Night
6 p.m., April 1
Old Main, University Park
Lambda Theta Alpha hosts their annual program to spread awareness about sexual violence and share survivors’ stories. The event is co-sponsored by the R-VOICE Center and Centre Safe.
In Full Voice: A Benefit Concert Honoring Survivors
7 p.m., April 4
Freeman Auditorium, HUB-Robeson Center, University Park
Purchase tickets at psu.crowdchange.co/56003
Join us for a beautiful concert uplifting the voices and experiences of survivors of sexual assault, both on and off campus, while raising critical funds for Centre Safe. This special evening also honors two major milestones, Centre Safe’s 50th anniversary and R-VOICE’s 40th anniversary, recognizing decades of advocacy, support and empowerment within the Centre County community. Sponsored by Centre Safe, R-VOICE, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR) and Garbrick-Shadle Insurance, this concert is a meaningful opportunity to support survivors, celebrate resilience, and come together through music for a powerful cause.
Artists include:
Hannah Bingman The Groove Society Natascha & The Spy Boys One Acre West Penn State Savoir Faire
All ticket proceeds benefit Centre Safe’s 50th Anniversary Fund!
SAAM Proclamation
10 a.m., April 7
Willowbank Building, Bellefonte
The Centre County Board of Commissioners will proclaim April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month in Centre County.
“What Were You Wearing?” Survivor Art Installation
9 a.m.-5 p.m., April 10
HUB-Robeson Lounge, University Park
The R-VOICE Center and Centre Safe will display an exhibit that dispels the rape myth that clothing choices provoke sexual violence.
PCAR Advocacy Day
All day, April 1
PA State Capitol, Harrisburg
Meet with legislators and attend event to advocate for a sustainable increase in the rape crisis line item.
Honoring Survival
3-5 p.m., April 22
Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, University Park
The R-VOICE Center and Centre Safe hosts an evening of healing to honor the strength and resiliency of survivors.
Denim Day
All day, April 29
Wear denim to support survivors of sexual violence. Visit denimday.org and share your denim-themed wear by tagging @centresafe on social media.
Centre Safe provides free and confidential services for anyone in Centre County, including counseling, advocacy, legal support, outreach and education, shelter, transitional housing, and safe custody exchanges/supervised visitations via its Child Access Center. Centre Safe’s 24/7 hotline is toll-free at 877-234-5050. Learn more at www.centresafe.org.
Jennifer Pencek is the executive director of Centre Safe. For more information about Centre Safe and SAAM events, contact her at 814-238-7066, or jpencek@centresafe.org. Learn more at www.centresafe.org/saam.