04/10/2022
APRIL is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, otherwise known as SAAM. During this month, people across the United States raise awareness about sexual violence, how to prevent it, and how to support those who are affected by it. This year’s SAAM theme is Building Safe Online Spaces Together, because sexual harassment, assault, and abuse can happen anywhere, including online.
As we connect online, we can learn how to practice digital consent, intervene when we see harmful content or behaviors, and ensure that online spaces — whether they be workspaces, classrooms, social media platforms, or otherwise — are respectful and safe.
One in five women in the United States experienced completed or attempted r**e during their lifetime. Nearly a quarter (24.8%) of men in the U.S. experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime. One in three female victims of completed or attempted r**e experienced it for the first time between the ages of 11 and 17. About one in four male victims of completed or attempted r**e first experienced it between the ages of 11 and 17.
Silence and lack of knowledge about these problems play a large part in why domestic and sexual violence continue to persist. Understanding the warning signs or red flags for domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse is a critical first step in addressing and preventing these crimes.
65% of victims who come forward to someone say that no one helped them. If someone discloses that they have or are being abused let them know that the abuse is not their fault. It may be difficult for them to talk about the abuse, but you don’t need to be an expert, you just need to be a friend. Provide reassurance to them that they are not alone, they are not to blame for what happened and that there is help and support out there🦋
Sources: nomore.org/nsvrc.org
