Nationwide events seek to educate public about sexual assault prevention

U.S. Senator Scott Brown (R-Massachusetts) publicly acknowledged in his recent autobiography sexual abuse that he suffered when he was an adolescent. Brown’s abuse portrays a childhood of violence from family members, camp counselors, and acquaintances. Brown’s public acknowledgement about his personal life bring continued attention to a societal problem that often goes underreported and silenced. Experts consider sexual assault to be the most underreported violent crime in America.

The month of April is recognized as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAM). The purpose of the awareness month is to inform the general public about sexual violence and educate people about sexual violence prevention techniques. The 2011 SAAM campaign theme is “It’s time … to get involved.” According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center website, “The 2011 national Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) campaign explores common, everyday behaviors and offers individuals viable, responsible ways to intervene. This primary prevention approach helps to create environments where people are safe in their relationships, families, neighborhoods, schools, work places and communities.”

In a statement released on March 31, 2011, President Barack Obama proclaimed April as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. In his proclamation, President Obama said: “Despite reforms to our legal system, sexual violence remains pervasive and largely misunderstood. Nearly one in six American women will experience an attempted or completed rape at some point in her life, and for some groups, rates of sexual violence are even higher.” In his statement, President Obama also reiterated the need to break the silence that causes more grief for sexual assault victims. Furthermore, supporting changing cultural and societal attitudes towards sexual violence will also help in preventing such crimes.

The origins of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month date back to the late 1970s. Women in England began Take Back the Night marches where women protested about violence they encountered while walking the streets at night. The popularity of these marches extended to the United States. In 1978, there were Take Back the Night marches in New York City and San Francisco. Throughout the 1980s, the National Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NCASA) garnered more attention about sexual assault awareness. The first nationally observed Sexual Assault Awareness Month occurred in April 2001. In the same year, teal became the official color representing sexual violence awareness and prevention. Subsequently, a teal ribbon indicates sexual assault awareness.

There will be several events taking place across the country regarding sexual assault prevention during the month of April. On Thursday, April 28, 2011, at the Massachusetts State House in Boston, there will be an advocacy rally for funding to meet the needs of victims and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

According to Jane Doe Inc. – The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, 1 in 33 men in America reports being raped in his lifetime. Additionally, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 7 boys experience sexual assault by the age of 18.

It is clear that sexual assault is a serious public health and social issue. Continuing to be silent about this issue can only worsen the problem. In order to counteract these violent and despicable crimes, communities must bond together to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. Protecting women, children, and men from all forms of sexual assault should be our collective goal.
More Facts about Sexual Assault:

* People with disabilities were victims of approximately 47,000 rapes, and these individuals experienced higher rates of sexual violence than people without a disability. (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2007).
* A 2005 survey of high school students found that 10.8% of girls and 4.2% of boys from grades 9-12 were forced to have sexual intercourse at some time in their lives. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008).
* Among college students nationwide, between 20% and 25% of women report experiencing attempted or completed rape and that both women and men significantly under-report cases of sexual violence. (Fisher, Cullen, and Turner, 2000).
* In sexual assault cases: 73% are perpetrated by a non-stranger; 38% of rapists are a friend or acquaintance; 28% of perpetrators are a current or past intimate or dating partner; 7% of perpetrators are a relative. (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, 2009).

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