Gov. Josh Green, MD, joined the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, Hawaii Department of Health, Honolulu Police Department, Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney and several other organizations in a sign-waving event at the State Capitol in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month on April 1. The Sex Abuse Treatment Center (SATC), a program of Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children, spearheaded the event in support of sex assault survivors.
“Survivors deserve to heal with dignity, knowing they are not alone,” said Gov. Josh Green, MD. “Support is available, and no one should feel ashamed to seek help. Together, we must foster a culture where survivors are believed, supported and empowered to move forward.”
Sex assault survivor support groups joined Gov. Green as he presented a proclamation recognizing April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Hawaii.
“Sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender,” Lynn Costales Matsuoka, SATC executive director, said. “We want survivors to know we are here for them.”
The Sex Abuse Treatment Center provided services to 900 survivors on Oahu last year. More than 600 of them received services for the first time. In total, 41% were under the age of 18. The youngest survivor to receive SATC’s services was just 2 years old; the oldest was 79.
Here’s some additional information on the services SATC provided in 2024:
- 13% were males.
- Nearly 1% identified as transgender or non-binary.
- 1,986 calls and messages to the 24-hour hotline and webchat were received.
- 2,389 crisis counseling sessions delivered.
- 9,011 individuals reached through prevention and education outreach.
“Survivors are not alone,” said Costales Matsuoka. “The road toward recovery may be difficult, but we are honored to walk alongside you in your journey of healing.”
SATC services are available 24/7. If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual abuse, contact SATC’s 24-hour hotline at 808-524-7273 or SATCHawaii.org.
The Sex Abuse Treatment Center helps serve statewide needs in partnership with other organizations across the neighbor islands. SATC is a program that relies on community support through the Kapiolani Health Foundation to fund its services. To learn more or to donate, visit SATCHawaii.org/Donate.
Photos: (top) State and city agencies joined dozens of sex assault survivor supporters at the Hawaii State Capitol as Gov. Josh Green proclaimed April 2025 Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Hawaii. (bottom) Gov. Josh Green, MD, presents proclamation to Lynn Costales Matsuoka, SATC executive director.