Sexual Assault Awareness Month: How Lynnfield Has Been Affected

Photo Credit: National Sexual Violence Resource Center

LYNNFIELD, MA—April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, which aims to bring awareness to crimes that have affected many in communities across the country.

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, Sexual Assault Awareness Month has been observed since April of 2001, and seeks to raise awareness for sexual assault and violence. According to the NSVRC, one in five women and one in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives.

So how has sexual violence affected Lynnfield?

The Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics, compiled by the U.S. Justice Department, keeps record only of reported forcible rape cases, which is defined as "The carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will. Rapes by force and attempts or assaults to rape, regardless of the age of the victim, are included. Statutory offenses (no force used—victim under age of consent) are excluded," according to the UCR website.

According to the data, The Lynnfield Police Department hasn't reported a forcible rape case since 2008, a year in which there were two cases. Previously, there hadn't been two cases in one year since 1987.

Those who are victims of sexual assault cases can search for support programs through the Jane Doe Inc. website.

Victims can also call the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center hotline at (800) 841-8371