April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month which aims to raise public awareness about sexual violence and provide education for how to prevent it. Even if we can’t change the outcome, we all have a role to play in preventing sexual assault.
Awareness
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center:
- Nearly 1 in 5 women in the United States have been raped at some time in their lives.
- Men are also victims of sexual assault, approximately 1 in 10 men experienced sexual coercion
- More than half of victims (both male and female) reported being raped by someone they know.
- Despite the increase in self-reports of rape and sexual assault, there was a decrease in reporting to police from 2017 to 2018. 40% of rapes and sexual assaults were reported to police in 2017, but only about 25% were reported to police in 2018.
11 years ago this week I became one of those 1 in 5. It changed me – my identity, self-worth, my sense of security. I blamed myself because I knew better than to put myself in that situation. I didn’t report it in a timely manner because I was convinced no one would believe me.
(It’s important to remember that someone forcing you to do something you don’t consent to and/or you’re uncomfortable with, is not ok. It’s not your fault that the other person is acting that way because people are responsible for their own actions.)
Education
So what is consent? According to RAINN, consent is an agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity. Consent should be clearly and freely communicated. Consent cannot be given by individuals who are underage, intoxicated or incapacitated by drugs or alcohol, asleep, or unconscious. It’s also important to remember that just because consent is given 1 time to 1 activity, it does not mean someone gives consent for other activities or for the same activity on other occasions.
Prevention
There is a role we can play in preventing sexual assault. If you or someone you know is in a vulnerable situation remember C.A.R.E. – RAINN’s 4 steps to for preventing sexual assault:
- C – Create a Distraction. A distraction can give the person at risk a chance to get to a safe place.
- A – Ask Directly. Talk directly to the person who might be in trouble and ask if they need someone to stay with them.
- R – Refer to an Authority. Call 911 or talk to a security guard or a bartender who can step in.
- E – Enlist Others. Don’t put yourself at risk – bring someone with you to approach the person at risk.
Sexual assault is not an easy topic to talk about. It was really difficult for me to admit to myself what had happened. It was even harder to try to tell other people what happened. If someone comes to you and says they’ve been sexually assaulted, that person needs your support. Listen to their story. Remind them that they are brave for coming forward. Talk about next steps and encourage them to speak to someone trained to help, but don’t force your opinions on them for what the next steps should be. Here are some additional resources:
Sexual assault is very complex and messy. To speak with someone who is trained to help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673).
If you are a survivor of sexual assault, remember you are not alone, you are not dirty, and you are not forgotten. Isaiah 44: 21-22 says the Lord made you, wiped your slate clean, and will not forget you. Be encouraged!
Love,
Redeemed Mama
Resources:
National Sexual Assault Hotline – 800-656-HOPE (4673)