Sexual violence is a very serious public health problem that affects millions of women and men. In the United States, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men have been raped in their lifetime and nearly 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men have experienced other forms of sexual violence at some point in their lives. Even with the known statistics, sexual assaults remains one of the most underreported crimes in the United States.
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is unwanted sexual contact that occurs without a person’s consent. This includes completed or attempted sex acts that are against the victim’s will or involve a victim who is unable to consent (Louisiana’s legal age of consent is 17).
Sexual assault may include touching, fondling, penetration by an object, incest, or child molestation. Sexual assault also includes:
• Unwanted sexual contact, and
• Non-contact unwanted sexual experiences (such as verbal sexual harassment)
Sexual assault can be committed by anyone:
• A current or former intimate partner
• A family member
• A person in position of power or trust
• A friend or acquaintance
• A stranger, or someone known only by sight
In the United States April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Every April, survivors, service providers, advocates, and allies from around the country join forces to raise awareness about sexual violence in our communities, and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent it. Advocates spend the month putting on events, garnering national momentum for ending and preventing sexual violence.
The 2014 SAAM campaign focuses on healthy sexuality and young people. The campaign provides tools on healthy adolescent sexuality and engaging youth. Take time this month to learn how you can play a role in promoting a healthy foundation for relationships, development and sexual violence prevention. SAAM 2014 engages adults in supporting positive youth development, and encourages young people to be activists for change.
This April, use your voice to impact our future! Plan an event in your community or find information to share with friends and family. By working together and pooling our resources during the month of April, we can highlight sexual violence as a major public health, human rights, and social justice issue and reinforce the need for prevention efforts.
For more information about this year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month visit here.
If you know are a survivor of sexual assault or know someone who is, please contact Women with a Vision at 504.301.0428.
If you are in immediate danger please call 911.
Join the conversation about sexual assault this month on social media: #SAAM
