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COLUMBIA (WACH)--Advocates of sexual assault victims declare April 3rd a Day of Action in South Carolina.

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, someone is raped every two minutes in the United States.

Tuesday, officials with the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault  (SCCADVASA) gathered at the Statehouse to talk about what's offered at sexual assault centers across the state. 

"This year, SCCADVASA proclaims it's time...to talk about it and we encourage everyone to participate by using social media to join the conversation," says Executive Director Pamela Jacobs.

State Attorney General attended the Day of Action to recognize organizations and services working to educate and prevent sexual violence.

The Attorney General's office established the S.T.O.P Violence Against Women's program in 1996 to target criminal domestic violence and other abusive behaviors toward women.  

Wilson says unfortunately most people think it's the complete stranger that they have to keep their guard up against but that's not the only case.

"It's the person you're an acquaintance with, possibly even related to and we have got to get people to keep their guard up," said Wilson, "just because you know someone doesn't eliminate them from being a potential predator."

Officials announced the annual event "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" will take place Thursday, April 12th at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center from 6 p.m to 8 p.m.