What is Sexual Assault Awareness Month?
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a month-long campaign to raise awareness about sexual assault, its effects on survivors, and the importance of prevention and support. The campaign aims to educate the public, advocate for survivors, and promote a culture of consent and respect.
History of SAAM
SAAM was first observed in 2001, with the goal of increasing awareness about sexual assault and promoting prevention efforts. The National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE and online.rainn.org y en español) was established in 1994, and SAAM was created to support the hotline’s efforts to provide support and resources to survivors of sexual assault.
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the victim. This can include:
• Rape: the forced penetration of the victim’s mouth, anus, or genitalia
• Fondling: the intentional touching of the victim’s intimate parts
• Inappropriate sexual advances: unwanted or unwelcome sexual advances, requests, or pressure
• Non-consensual sexual contact: any other type of non-consensual sexual contact
Prevalence of Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a widespread problem that affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), in the United States:
• 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men will be sexually assaulted at some point in their lifetime
• 44% of sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows
• 15% of sexual assaults are committed by a stranger
• 80% of sexual assaults occur before the age of 25
Consequences of Sexual Assault
Sexual assault can have severe and long-lasting consequences for survivors, including:
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Chronic pain
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulty with relationships
• Substance abuse
How to Support Survivors
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, there are resources available to help:
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) and online.rainn.org y en español
• Local sexual assault support centers: contact your local rape crisis center or sexual assault support organization
• Therapy: seek professional counseling or therapy to help process the trauma
Ways to Get Involved
You can help raise awareness and support survivors of sexual assault by:
• Wearing purple: purple is the official color of SAAM, and wearing purple on April 1st is a way to show support for survivors
• Sharing information: share facts and statistics about sexual assault on social media using the hashtag #SAAM
• Participating in events: attend local events, rallies, and walks to raise awareness and funds for sexual assault support organizations
• Donating: consider making a donation to a local sexual assault support organization or the National Sexual Assault Hotline
Conclusion
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a critical campaign to raise awareness about sexual assault, its effects on survivors, and the importance of prevention and support. By understanding the prevalence and consequences of sexual assault, we can work together to create a culture of consent and respect. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, there are resources available to help. Get involved and make a difference this April.
