Olivia here!
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Today I'm going to share some information about this difficult topic, including some ways to support yourself or someone you love.
What is sexual assault?
Sexual violence includes rape, incest, child
sexual assault, ritual abuse, non-stranger rape,
statutory rape, marital or partner rape, sexual
exploitation, sexual contact, sexual harassment,
exposure, and voyeurism. It is a crime typically
motivated by the desire to control, humiliate,
and/or harm — not by sexual desire.
It is estimated that in the United States, an American is sexually assaulted every two minutes.
What is rape culture?
Sexual assault is so prolific, in part, because we live in a rape culture. Essentially, we make light of sexual assault. Have you ever been harassed on the street? Has someone made an inappropriate comment about the way you look? Has anyone make sexual comments about you without your consent? Have you ever heard someone say, "They were asking for it"? This is rape culture.
What can you do?
If a survivor comes to you, believe them. Support them.
If you are a survivor, do not blame yourself. Find someone you trust and talk to them. What happened to you does not define you. It is not your fault.
If you live on or near a college campus, attend your local Take Back the Night Walk, an event dedicated to reclaiming the night from sexual violence.
If you see something, say something. It's on us to stop sexual assault.
Resources
Call (800) 656-4673 for the National Sexual Assault Hotline
It's free, confidential, and open 24/7.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
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