Change Starts with Blue
Stand With Survivors. Empower Prevention.
What & Why
This is more than awareness. It’s a practical movement anyone can join.
Color It Blue is Brave Step’s annual campaign during Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month that encourages survivors, loved ones, allies and the community to initiate a ripple of influence in their spheres about this pervasive issue.
Its mission relies on YOU to start the wave of influence that spreads outward through your work, family, and ultimately, community.
How to Color It Blue
For Individuals
Wear blue, share survivor stories, take the pledge, talk to a friend.
For Companies
Host a Color It Blue event, light a building blue, issue a proclamation.
For Organizations
Sponsor the movement, share resources with staff, challenge your network to join.
Get your “I Color It Blue Because…” sign
Download, personalize and share.
Give or Fundraise
Your gift fuels prevention, education and support programs.
Time to Move
Join our virtual walk/run throughout April and make your steps count.
Why This Matters
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Nearly 1 in 2 women and more than 1 in 6 men will experience sexual violence in their lifetime.
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1,198+ individuals impacted by Brave Step’s programs since launch.
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Color It Blue participants in 30 U.S. states and four countries.
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Loved Ones Program empowers families to support survivors and prevent future harm.
Your Support Creates Real Change. Join the Color It Blue movement today.
Upcoming Events:
March 4: Volunteer Day – Crafting Blue Ribbons for Color It Blue
Join us March 4 during one of two shifts to create blue ribbons that spark awareness, support survivors and inspire prevention during Brave Step’s Color It Blue campaign. No skill necessary, just a caring heart and giving hands.
Throughout April: Color It Blue
Personalize your Color It Blue experience and invite others to join in our movement.
Throughout April: Join the Color It Blue “Move”ment
This April, take a small step that creates a powerful ripple by joining Brave Step’s annual Virtual Walk/Run. When we move together, we show survivors and loved ones they are not alone while helping communities become more informed, compassionate and ready to prevent harm. Whether you walk, run or hike, every step matters.
April 17: Community Without Pressure: Healing Together, Not Alone
This session explores peer support, safe navigation of group spaces, and the idea that community can be a resource rather than a requirement. Recognizing that loneliness is increasingly present in participant applications, the session emphasizes survivor autonomy and choice-based connection, supporting healing while fostering belonging and shared humanity.
Presented by Dr. Natalie Ricciutti Ph.D., LPCC-OH, LCASA, NC
April 24: Navigating News & Media: Staying Informed Without Harm
This session presents how trauma and current national events intersect, particularly for survivors of sexual abuse and violence. Dr. Engel will review signs of retraumatization and overwhelm in media engagement while offering guidelines for increasing effective strategies for news consumption while prioritizing healing, nervous system regulation and personal empowerment. Survivors, loved ones and community members are all welcome to attend.
Presented by Dr. Emily C. Engel Psy.D., PLLC
April 25 at 11 a.m.: Join Brave Step for an In-person Walk/Run
We’d love for you, your family and your friends to join us for a casual Walk/Run gathering on Saturday, April 25. We’ll meet at 11:00 a.m. at Matthews United Methodist Church (801 S. Trade St., Matthews) and head out on the greenway for a walk or run beginning at 11:30 a.m.
For anyone who wants to keep the connection going afterward, we’ll continue on to Seaboard Brewing for a relaxed, bring‑your‑own‑dollars fellowship.
April 28 at 7 p.m. ET: Brave Step Ally Workshop: Level 1
Becoming an ally doesn’t require a title — just a willingness to learn, listen, and take meaningful action. Brave Step’s Ally Workshop: Level 1 is an empowering, introductory experience designed for family, friends, community members and anyone who wants to better understand sexual violence and support survivors with compassion and confidence.
April 30: Intimacy After Trauma
Participants will learn about the impact of sexual trauma on the body and mind, including how it affects desire, boundaries, and trust. Attendees will learn to understand their personal needs, and explore what healthy, consensual intimacy can look like on their own terms. The focus is on empowerment, self-awareness, and fostering growth in reclaiming one’s sexual agency.
Presented by Ceara Corry, LCSW
Equip Me to Color It Blue:
Color It Blue Toolkit
Ideas, materials, graphics, messaging … all you need to dive into a Color It Blue experience.
I Color It Blue Signs
Download, personalize and share.
Faith-Based Organizations
Faith communities play a powerful role in creating safety, recovery and hope.
Share Your Impact
Share the ways in which you Colored It Blue. Help us showcase your impact.
Start the Conversation
Tips on how to talk about sexual violence with the ones you love.
Additional Resources
Explore resources on our Changemaker portal for a variety of audiences
Color It Blue is proudly powered by:
Latest In The News
As a survivor-led organization, our secret to success is understanding firsthand what it’s like and creating a place, both online and in person, where individuals are safe, understood and supported.
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