In Charlotte County, a colour is doing more than standing out—it’s standing up for survivors.
The community is hosting its second annual Wear Teal Day on May 30.
This initiative aims to raise awareness about sexual violence and provide visible support for survivors.
Led by the Charlotte County Abuse Prevention Network, the event encourages the community to wear teal to spark conversations, educate the public, and express solidarity with those affected by sexual violence.
The initiative, launched last year, aligns with Sexual Violence Awareness Month, a campaign that has been recognized across Canada for more than two decades.
The colour teal was officially designated by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center in 2001 as the symbol of awareness, support, and prevention.
Sam Gullison, co-chair of the Charlotte County Abuse Prevention Network and Program Director at the Willow Centre, shared the significance of Wear Teal Day, highlighting its impact on both survivors and the broader community.
“Wearing teal is a small act, but the impact is huge,” Gullison explained.
“It sends a message to survivors that we believe you, we support you, we listen, and we care. It creates space for conversations and provides education on what sexual violence is, how to prevent it, and how we can best support survivors.”
Beyond awareness, the initiative is fostering deeper discussions in the community about the realities of sexual violence.
Gullison noted that many people initially assume sexual violence only refers to physical assault.
However, education through Wear Teal Day has challenged that misconception, encouraging broader understanding.
“Sexual violence is not just one thing. A lot of people think about rape, but there are so many other forms,” Gullison said.
“There are also times when Individuals don’t realize that they’ve been impacted by sexual violence because they didn’t recognize it as sexual violence.”
The importance of visibility extends beyond advocacy. Gullison recounted how seeing people wear teal has provided encouragement and strength to survivors.
“For some survivors, this is their first time telling their story, and that’s powerful,” she said.
“Knowing that your community supports you can be empowering, especially for those who have faced barriers in the justice system or felt unheard.”
Businesses across Charlotte County are participating by hosting promotions, giveaways, and social media campaigns under the hashtag #LetsTealWithIt.
The Willow Centre hosted a pop-up event last Tuesday where attendees could bring a teal shirt to have Wear Teal logos pressed onto them.
The event also featured a presentation on trauma and adverse childhood experiences led by Stephanie Clark, the sexual violence counsellor at the centre.
Support for the initiative has expanded beyond Charlotte County. Gullison noted that last year, organizations in Saint John, Woodstock, and Fredericton joined in by wearing teal on Wear Teal Day.
Financial backing has played a key role in expanding outreach efforts.
With contributions from the Department of Justice Canada for Victims and Survivors of Crime Week and Sexual
Violence New Brunswick, helping to bring awareness to more communities.
“The funding has allowed us to reach further,” Gullison said.
“Last year, we primarily focused on St. Stephen and St. Andrews, but this year, we’ve extended to St. George, Grand Manan, and even Campobello.”
For Gullison, the initiative is deeply personal. As a survivor herself, she understands firsthand the need for visible support and acknowledgment.
“Having gone through a justice system where the outcome wasn’t what I expected, it’s been validating and empowering to see this community support,” she shared.
“Knowing that people believe you, that they stand with you—it makes a difference.”
She emphasized that Wear Teal Day is more than a one-time event.
It’s part of an ongoing effort to educate the public, encourage meaningful dialogue, and create a safer, more informed community.
“Sexual violence doesn’t just happen in May or on a single day,” Gullison said.
“By continuing conversations, supporting survivors, and challenging harmful stereotypes, we’re working toward prevention and change.”
Residents are encouraged to participate in Wear Teal Day by posting pictures online, engaging with local businesses involved in the initiative, and learning more about available support resources.
For those seeking assistance, the Willow Centre offers free support services for anyone impacted by sexual violence.
“You are not alone,” Gullison said. “There are people who care, and there is support available.”
