SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH

SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH

Every April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month strives to be a voice of the victims of sexual abuse and violence. The mission is to increase awareness about sexual violence worldwide and educate communities on how to prevent it. The term "sexual assault" is an umbrella term that includes all of the following:

• Rape

• Molestation

• Unwanted sexual contact of any other form

• Sexual harassment

• Incest

• Child Sexual Abuse

• Sexual violence, even with an intimate partner

• Sexual exploitation

• Human trafficking

• Voyeurism

If you or anyone you know is experiencing any of these or experiences them in the future, call the police or click here for the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline. Sexual assault is a crime, and no one should take it lightly. Do not be afraid to speak out if this happens to you. The RAINN hotline is 800-656-HOPE (4673). 

Bringing Sexual Assult into the Light

The observance encourages people across the country to raise their voices in support of survivors. Speak out if they have experienced sexual assault themselves. One month isn't enough time to solve this serious issue, but it's an excellent place to start. This month, do your part to end the widespread problem that is sexual assault. Here's a list of statistics about sexual assault in the U.S.

1. Nearly 1 in 5 women in the United States have experienced rape (or attempted rape) at one point in their lives.

2. 1 in 67 men in the United States have experienced rape (or attempted rape) at one point in their lives.

3. Every 98 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.

4. Only 5 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison (which is why it is important to speak out if this happens to you).

5. The majority of sexual assaults happen at or near the victim's home, often by someone they know and/or trust.

6. Health care is 16% higher for women who were sexually abused as children.

7. Rape is the most under-reported crime; 63% of sexual assaults are not reported.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Use #SAAM, #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth, or #SexualAssaultAwareness to post on social media. This month, use your voice and any platform you have to help end sexual assault in the U.S. and worldwide. Another way to participate this month is to wear the color teal to honor survivors and keep the conversation going.

Sexual assault is a horrific problem, but the good news is that prevention is possible. End victim shaming and hold the perpetrators accountable. By eliminating the stigma victims suffer, providing support to victims, and increasing awareness programs, we are slowly but surely able to decrease and eliminate sexual abuse and assault.

HISTORY

Sexual Assault Awareness month began in April 2001 and was founded by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. THE NSVRC is the leading nonprofit in providing information and tools to help individuals, service providers, and communities prevent sexual violence.

Again - if you or anyone you know is experiencing any of these, or experiences them in the future, call the police or click here for the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline. Sexual assault is a crime, and no one should ever take it lightly. Do not be afraid to speak out if this happens to you.