April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This time is used to raise public awareness and create educational initiatives to prevent it. Although this significant threat to public safety, health, human rights, and social injustice has been long advocated throughout America and the world Sexual Assault Awareness Month was first observed on April 1st, 2001 here in the United States.
What is sexual violence?
Sexual violence is a crime. It varies in its degree of invasiveness, ranging from misconduct such as unwarranted explicit comments to obscene gestures, actual exposure, and voyeurism, intensifying to more heinous acts such as rape, crimes against children, and human trafficking.
Sexual violence is unwanted sexual contact in any form, including non-contact types like sexual harassment.
Here’s some good news:
Since 1993, the rate of rape and sexual assault has reduced by over 50%, so advocacy programs, victims speaking out, and community support are all helping! (Source.)
Based on the above statistic, it is evident initiatives are working so here are some ways you can get involved:
- Do not blame the victim.
- Set model examples for respectful relationships.
- Know it is okay to speak up when you see inappropriate behavior or hear unhealthy comments.
Additional Resources:
- Safety and Prevention
- Sexual Assault Awareness Month History
- Sexual Assault Statistics
- Strategies for Safely Intervening or Reporting Sexual Violence
- Warning Signs for Potential Victims
Remember, your involvement great or small helps to make a huge difference!
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