Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Promoting Education, Prevention and Support

This article is courtesy of MPC intern, Bianca Jackson.

Trigger Warning: The following article mentions attempted rape/rape, sexual coercion

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any sexual activity/contact that happens without someone’s clear and voluntary consent. It can include behaviors like unwanted touching, sexual coercion, attempted rape, or rape. Sexual assault can unfortunately happen to anyone, no matter their gender, age, or background. It often has a lasting effect on the survivors' emotional, physical, and psychological well-being. Sexual assault awareness month focuses on educating people about consent, supporting survivors, as well as working towards prevention

Understanding Consent

Consent is very clear and needs to be voluntary to participate in the activity. It needs to be given without coercion and can be withdrawn at any moment. Silence, coercion, intimidation, or being impaired from any consumption o