April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and survivors from the Hudson Valley are speaking up about the importance of spreading awareness and the resources offered.

Conversations about sexual assault can be uncomfortable, especially for those who have had a personal experience.

High school sophomore Lucy Haber says she’s sharing her story of sexual assault in the hope of making a difference for others.

“They molested me, and I didn’t say anything…I didn’t know what was happening with my mind,” she says. “I figured that maybe me telling my story and saying that it did matter could maybe help someone else who might’ve experienced something similar.”

Almost 44% of women experience some form of sexual violence, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Oftentimes it's committed by someone known to the victim.

Kate Behrens, a college junior of Sleepy Hollow, is a survivor who now advocates for other students and children.

“It's really hard to find the answers. I know because I’ve been there,” she says. “I don’t think high schoolers don’t have the tools to name these experiences…And there are so many wonderful people out there who will help you.”

Hope’s Door is a local organization that not only empowers survivors, but also aims to arm children with necessary tools before it's too late. 

“Awareness and education that’s really what we need going forward. And this needs to be an ongoing conversation if we’re really going to make a change,” says Maya Lloyd, the outreach and engagement director for Hope’s Door. 

For resources, you can visit HopesDoorNY.org, LoveIsRespect.org, RAINN.org and TheHotline.org.