The intersectionality of sexual violence and domestic violence is undeniable. In this blog, we hear from an advocate working in the sexual violence space about why Sexual Assault Awareness Month is so vital to the work of making our communities safer for everyone.
April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time when we bring attention to an extremely important topic. This is a time when communities come together and bring attention to this prevalent issue that can happen to anyone, no matter their age, race, sexual identity, ableness, or ethnicity.
Sexual assault can create everlasting scars on survivors physically, as well as mentally and emotionally. Over 50 percent of women have reported they were sexually assaulted, and over 30 percent of men responded the same, according to resources like the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. These numbers show just how prevalent sexual assault and sexual violence are in our communities and give urge to action.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a leading platform for spreading awareness and uniting against sexual violence in our society. Many cases go unreported due to shame, guilt, fear, and anxiety of whether or not they will be believed. Building awareness can help educate the community on many aspects of sexual violence, including available resources, signs of sexual assault or sexual violence, and how to seek help. By creating a platform for survivors to speak, we can empower others to come forward and share their own stories. We can shed light on sexual assault and empower communities to speak up on behalf of themselves and their loved ones.
There is, unfortunately, a lot of misinformation when it comes to sexual assault. Many people believe that (1) to be sexually assaulted you must be under the influence, and (2) the abuser is most often a stranger. This is something I get asked a lot by students when I teach about sexual assault at schools. Most of the time, students do not even know what the definition of sexual assault is, unfortunately. Sexual assault can happen to anyone, and most of the time, the abuser is close to or known by the person who was assaulted. Abusers can be a close friend, partner, a family member, or a stranger. Many students do not know what to do if they are sexually assaulted or whom they should turn to for help.
The lack of education on sexual assault is one of the main reasons why Sexual Assault Awareness Month is so important. Bringing awareness to the topic can educate people and make them feel more open about talking about it. There are many people who do not disclose assault because they are scared they will not be believed, or because the topic makes the people around them feel uncomfortable. By bringing attention to this topic, we can make it more comfortable to talk about, which can create less judgement and shame for survivors. Sexual assault can have a lasting traumatic impact on survivors, sometimes manifesting as PTSD, anxiety, trust issues, or paranoia. Receiving support from loved ones and the community can make a significant difference in people’s lives, empowering them take back control and encouraging them to speak up when something happens.
The month of April is extremely important for bringing awareness to the issue sexual assault. Providing information, resources, and education can create a stronger and safer community by removing the stigma of reporting. That is something everyone should strive for!
–Brekin, Advocate, WIRC-CAA Victim Services