Centre Safe and partner organizations will host multiple events to educate and raise awareness about sexual assault throughout the month of April.
With the theme of “Looking Back, Moving Forward: Turning Awareness into Action,” the activities are part of national Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The events occur as Centre Safe continues to commemorate its 50th anniversary of working to support 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,” Jennifer Pencek, executive director of Centre Safe, said in a statement. “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.”
LOCAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH EVENTS
Take Back the Night
6 p.m. April 1
Old Main, University Park
Lambda Theta Alpha hosts its 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
A concert uplifting the voices and experiences of survivors of sexual assault, both on and off campus, will also raise critical funds for Centre Safe. The evening also honors 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, “In Full Voice” offers an “opportunity to support survivors, celebrate resilience, and come together through music for a powerful cause,” according to Centre Safe.
Performing artists will include Hannah Bingman, The Groove Society, Natascha & The Spy Boys, One Acre West and Penn State Savoir Faire.
Purchase tickets at https://psu.crowdchange.co/56003. All proceeds benefit Centre Safe.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation
10 a.m., April 7
Willowbank Building, Bellefonte
The Centre County Board of Commissioners proclaim April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month in the 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 21
PA State Capitol, Harrisburg
Participants will meet with legislators and attend an 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 host an annual event to honor the strength and resiliency of survivors.
Denim Day
All day, April 29
Community members are encouraged to wear denim to support survivors of sexual violence. Visit denimday.org and share your denim-themed wear by tagging @centresafe on social media.
See additional Penn State campus events here.
“‘Looking Back, Moving Forward: Turning Awareness into Action’ shows Pennsylvania’s journey to ending sexual abuse, assault and harassment,” Centre Safe wrote in a news release. “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.”
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 centresafe.org.
The R-VOICE (Relationship Violence Outreach, Intervention, and Community Education) Center is a confidential resource for Penn State students impacted by sexual or gender-based violence, harassment or stalking. The center provides trauma-informed advocacy, emotional support and guidance to help students understand their options and access the care they need. For more information, visit studentaffairs.psu.edu/about/directory/rvoice.
