Of all the alarming statistics in the United States, perhaps the most alarming (in my opinion) is that every 2 minutes in the U.S., someone is sexually assaulted. EVERY 2 MINUTES. This number includes all ages and sexes.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The biggest power that a perpetrator holds over his/her victim is fear; fear of embarrassment, social censure, or even retaliation. This fear is permeated throughout our culture as we don't want to talk about the huge elephant in the room even if it is to simply state that you wouldn't do anything like ostracize someone who has been assaulted. It's not their fault and they should know that, right? Wrong.
Having worked with survivors of sexual assault, I can attest to the fact that the insanely simple act of letting people know that it's OK to talk about it, to be angry about it, to report it and not be ashamed....it's not their fault! Just letting them know that you'll listen is so simple yet so.effective.
So I urge every one of you to let the people in your life know that should (God forbid) anything ever happen, you are there. You will listen and help; there is no judgment here.
Take it a step further and form a group to learn self defense.
We live in a nation where we can speak freely about this issue. Let's exercise that right fully.
Resources:
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network
Rape Aggression Defense (RAD)
- A
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