Sexual Assault Awareness Month: How Stoneham Has Been Affected

Photo Credit: National Sexual Violence Resource Center

STONEHAM, 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 Stoneham?

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 Stoneham Police Department reported four cases of reported forcible rape between 2010 and 2012. Two cases were reported in 2010, the most of any year during that span and is tied the most since 2001, in which five cases were reported.

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