April is National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention month. You probably already know that sexual assault is a nationwide problem that affects all people, regardless of gender, class, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or other factors. But did you know these facts?
* 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men in the United States has experienced an attempted or completed rape at some time in their lives. That means you or someone you know.
* In 8 out of 10 rape cases, the victim knew the perpetrator.
* Between 1 in 4 and 1 in 5 college women experienced completed or attempted rape during their college years.
* 84% of women did not report their rapes to police.
"So what can I do?"
* If you are a survivor of sexual assault and need help, call the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) at 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673). You can call from anywhere in the US, and free and confidential counseling is available 24 hours a day.
* Do the personal work of examining your own belief systems and behavior to learn how you may contribute to social and institutional practices that condone sexual violence. Consider the words you use, the music you listen to, the 'jokes' you laugh at. If you are uncomfortable with the the answers you find, GET HELP.
* Donate supplies, money, or time to your local or national rape crisis center. Visit RAINN to find a center near you.
* Learn more about and find ways to end domestic violence.
* Get more information from these resources.
There is so much that we all can do to end sexual assault. How will you help?
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3 comments:
My sister volunteers with a shelter called, coincidentally enough, RAIN. The vast majority of women and children now living there arrived under duress related to sexual or domestic assault.
This problem is huge.
Indeed it is. Much respect to your sister for her much needed work.
Thanks for stopping by, Skeemi. I hope you enjoyed your visit and will come again soon. Please spread the word!
Oh! And thanks for the link, Skeemi!
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