Sexual Assault Awareness Month
By: Jess | April 02, 2009 | Category: Health
Look around. Count the first six women you see.
Out of those six people you just counted, one could be a victim of sexual assault, according to statistics from the Department of Justice.
If you're in a collegiate setting, the exercise is a little different. Look around, count the first four women you see. One of them could be a victim.
Every April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month is observed to help alert people of frightening statistics, like the ones above, and educate them on what to do if someone they know is a victim of rape or sexual assault.
Unfortunately, the numbers from the scenarios above are probably too low. Because many cases of rape and sexual assault go unreported there is no real way to gauge how many of such incidents occur in this country each year.
Some victims don't report because they feel shame, they think no one will believe them or they think they will be blamed for what happened.
The number one thing you can do as a friend if someone confides in you is to believe them and don't ask them how they let something like that happen. Victims never "ask for it" to happen. That's like saying someone asked to be mugged and have their wallet stolen.
The Rape, Incest and Abuse National Network offers other suggestions on ways to support a friend:
Listen in a nonjudgmental manner
Offer to accompany them if they choose to go to the police or a hospital, but never force them to do so.
Provide them with resources to get more help, such as the phone number for the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE)
Supporting a friend or family member through this experience can take an emotional toll on you too. There's information available on how to cope with any anger, frustration, sadness or other emotions you may be feeling as a result.
If you're looking for more information to educate yourself or help a friend, try these resources:
Sexual Assault Violence: Facts at a Glance
World Report on Violence and Health
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