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 It needs to be given without coercion and can be withdrawn at any moment.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 of alcohol/drug do not equal consent in any way, shape, or form. Healthy relationships should have clear communication and mutual respect. Being able to both understand and practice consent is extremely important in preventing sexual violence.

The Impact on Survivors

Experiencing sexual assault can have very serious and long-lasting effects. Survivors might experience emotional difficulties like fear, anxiety, anger, shame, or lack of trust in others. Some people might also develop mental health challenges like PTSD, depression, or anxiety after experiencing something so traumatic.

With psychological/mental health challenges, survivors can also experience impacts on their physical health. Some survivors might need medical assistance, counseling, or long-term support after experiencing sexual assault. Every survivor's experience and healing journey can be different, and recovery takes time.

Supporting Survivors

Being able to support survivors starts with listening, believing, and respecting their own experiences. Survivors shouldn’t ever be blamed for their assault, and it’s important to allow a safe environment where they feel comfortable to seek help.

Organizations like RAINN offer resources, confidentiality, and crisis hotlines for people who have experienced sexual violence. Another organization locally based is the Rape Crisis Center of Milford, who offer prevention and community education, as well as victim services. These support services can help connect survivors with advocates, counseling services, and information about reporting options.

Prevention and Community Responsibility

Preventing sexual violence requires education and community responsibility. Communities, schools, and organizations can help to promote respect, teach about consent, encourage bystanders to step up safely, and stand against harmful behaviors and attitudes that tend to normalize violence.

What Parents Should Know

Parents play an important role in educating their children about important topics such as consent, setting healthy boundaries, as well as safety. Being able to have open and respectful conversations about respect in relationships, any warning signs of abuse, as well as how important it is for them to report any inappropriate behavior. It’s important to remember that parents should report and believe survivors and create a safe environment at home. For additional information, visit RAINN’s website (Homepage - RAINN) for other resources such as their hotline for sexual violence survivors.