Sexual Assault Awareness Month

The month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. Did you know that approximately 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men in America experience some form of sexual assault in their lifetime? This number, especially for American men may be much higher as this form of assault is generally underreported. This month is dedicated to education, awareness, and support for those who have experienced sexual assault and their supporters.

What is Sexual Assault?

The definition is any form of contact in a sexual manner that is done without the other person’s consent. This includes a variety of behaviors such as:

• Rape
• Attempted Rape
• Fondling or Unwanted Touching/Kissing
• Forcing someone to perform an act such as oral sex

There are also some important terms here that we need to be mindful of.

• Consent: Has to be from someone who is 18 or older (anyone under the age of 18 cannot give consent to an adult). Consent also must be from someone who is not intoxicated or passed out (someone who is unconscious cannot give consent).
• Force: This is not always something that is physical. Force can also be emotional coercion or manipulation.
• Unwanted: If a person says that they do not want you to touch them or kiss them it is unwanted. It does not matter what they have wanted in the past. It does not matter how they are dressed or if they kissed you willing. No still means no.

Who Commits Sexual Assault?

There is often a misunderstanding that you will only be assaulted by strangers. This is actually far less common. You are far more likely to be assaulted by an acquaintance. It could be:

• A parent or family member
• A friend
• A parter
• A spouse

That is right, just because you are in a relationship with someone, it doesn’t mean that they can do anything that they wish to you in this manner. Even if it is your spouse or significant other, if you say no and they continue, it is sexual assault.

Resources

If you have experienced sexual assault there are several resources that you can reach out to:

• National Confidential Hotline: 800.656.HOPE (4673)
• Center for Women and Families: https://www.thecenteronline.org/
• Information for Men: https://www.safehelpline.org/information-for-Men