You know someone who has been sexually assaulted. In fact, you know A LOT of people who have been sexually assaulted (whether you know you know them or not).
In fact, it’s a pretty high chance that you have been sexually assaulted. Here are a few numbers that are suggested:
•Every 73 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.
•On average, there are 433,648 victims (age 12 or older) of rape and sexual assault each year in the United States.
•The 18-34 age group has the highest risk.
•1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted rape or completed rape in her lifetimes (14.8% completed, 2.8% attempted).
•About 3% of American men—or 1 in 33—have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.
•1 out of every 10 rape victims are male.
•21% of TGQN (transgender, genderqueer, nonconforming) college students have been sexually assaulted, compared to 18% of non-TGQN females, and 4% of non-TGQN males.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a campaign that aims to increase awareness about the causes and risk factors for sexual assault and empower individuals to take steps to prevent it in their communities.
Since 2001, the National Sexual Violence Research Center has coordinated annual programming, developing materials and resources for organizations and agencies to use.
The SAAM campaign works with a variety of non-profit organizations and foundations to spread the message of awareness and prevention through educational programs, public events, and petitions for legislative action.
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I hope you’ll take a moment to think about your own experiences, and possibly consider that of others. And maybe commit to doing something this month to help combat sexual assault.
Maybe share consent-based content. Maybe stand up against any sorts of sexually violent speech. Maybe volunteer or donate.
Or, just do what YOU can to be a better person and friend, and offer to be there for those you know and love.
Whatever you can do.