MADISON, Wis. -- A month-long education effort is underway across the nation in hopes of eradicating sexual violence.

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One local organization heavily involved in April's Sexual Assault Awareness Month is the Dane County Rape Crisis Center. Officials there said the impact of sexual violence affects millions of men, women and children from all walks of life -- many of whom keep their stories to themselves out of fear or embarrassment or both, WISC-TV reported.

But many survivors of sexual violence do speak out about their experiences, feeling that keeping their stories hidden will only serve to perpetuate the problem.

"In my situation," said abuse survivor Sylvia Jones, "I believe that it was kind of visible. But no one actually paid attention."

With her mother and her son by her side, Jones is recovering from her abuse. Telling her story is a crucial part of that healing process, she said.

"We haven't talked about it in years," said Jones. "So, I thought this would be a good opportunity to get it out in the open."

Doreen Johnson is another survivor.

"I also am a product of sexual abuse," said Johnson.

Johnson coped with her situation by turning to drugs. But now, the 44-year-old said she's back on track, thanks in part to her church.

"I realized you can't do this thing by yourself," remarked Johnson. "You can't do it alone."

Johnson and Jones are two of several women who came together on Saturday for a survivor's luncheon, part of a series of community events held to commemorate April being named Sexual Assault Awareness Month, WISC-TV reported.

"We want to educate people on how to avoid the very real threat of sexual assault," said Kelly Anderson, executive director of the Dane County Rape Crisis Center, "and we also want to celebrate the fact that victims in our community heal and thrive and become survivors and we want them to know they're not alone."

Officials at the Dane County Rape Crisis Center said one in four adult women will be sexually abused in their lifetime. But they said only about 40 percent of abused women will come forward to tell their stories.

That's a statistic that the Rape Crisis Center and more outspoken survivors want to change.

"Don't wait so long," advised Doreen Johnson to her fellow victims. "And see, I waited, it's not too late for me, but I waited too long to cry out for help."

Added Sylvia Jones, "My outcome was kind of bad when I spoke up about it, but I'm blessed now and I'm thankful that I did say something."

Several free events are being held throughout Madison and surrounding communities this month to help mark Sexual Assault Awareness Month, including self-defense classes and a "Take Back the Night" march and vigil that will be held on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus on Saturday, April 18.