Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an annual campaign to raise public awareness about sexual assault and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence. Bay Area Women Against Rape, opened in 1971 as the nation’s first rape crisis center, offering immediate victim services. With this heightened awareness of sexual violence, state coalitions began to form, beginning with Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape in 1975. By the late 1990s, many advocates began coordinating activities and events throughout the month of April, advancing the idea of a nationally recognized month for sexual violence awareness and prevention activities. To fully understand the importance of awareness of sexual assault, we must educate ourselves. To learn more about how to prevent sexual assault and domestic violence and support survivors, take a look at the resources compiled by the Sexual Violence Resource Center on their website www.nsvrc.org, or contact your local rape crisis center.
7 Facts About Sexual Assault
- Nearly 1 in 5 women in the United States have experienced rape (or attempted rape) at one point in their lives.
- 1 in 67 men in the United States have experienced rape (or attempted rape) at one point in their lives.
- Every 98 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.
- Only 5 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison (which is why it is important to speak out if this happens to you).
- The majority of sexual assaults happen at or near the victim’s home, often by someone they know and/or trust.
- Health care is 16% higher for women who were sexually abused as children.
- Rape is the most under-reported crime; 63% of sexual assaults are not reported.
The term “sexual assault” is an umbrella term that includes all of the following:
- Rape
- Molestation
- Unwanted sexual contact of any other form
- Sexual harassment
- Incest
- Child Sexual Abuse
- Sexual violence, even with an intimate partner
- Sexual exploitation
- Human trafficking
- Voyeurism
If you or anyone you know is experiencing any of these, or experiences them in the future, call the police or reach out to the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline @ 1-800-656-4673.
Do not be afraid to speak out if this happens to you. Sexual assault is a crime, and no one should take it lightly!
Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Telephone (501) 246-3276 Toll-Free: (866) 632-2272
Address: PO Box 3837, 201 East Markham Suite 50, Little Rock, AR 72201
References: https://verdevalleysanctuary.org/end-sexual-assault/ , https://www.arkcasa.org/
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