Guest Opinion | Catholic Charities

 In the United States, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. 

This year, SAAM is celebrating its 16th anniversary with the theme “Engaging New Voices” to encourage and inform a wider audience – including Greek life, coaches, parents, and faith leaders – on how they can take action to promote safety, respect, and equality to stop sexual violence before it happens.

• We’re strongest when we raise our voices together, and that’s why we’re engaging new groups in the movement. These groups can help the next generation foster attitudes that promote healthy relationships, equality, and respect. 

• We all have a role to play in the prevention of sexual assault. New voices in the movement will have a ripple effect on those they teach, guide, and influence.

• We know that one month isn’t enough to solve the serious and widespread issue of sexual violence. However, the attention April generates is an opportunity to energize and expand prevention efforts throughout the year. 

Sexual Violence/Prevention

Sexual assault is a serious and widespread problem. Nearly one in five women in the United States have experienced rape or attempted rape some time in their lives, and one in 71 American men have experienced rape or attempted rape (Black et al., 2011).

 Victims of sexual assault often experience short-term consequences including guilt, shame, fear, numbness, shock, and feelings of isolation. Victims may also experience long-term health risks and behaviors such as post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, depression, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections (Cutajar et al., 2010; Santaularia et al., 2014; Wingwood et al., 2009.

The good news is that prevention is possible and it’s happening. Individuals, communities, and the private sector are already successfully combatting the risk of sexual violence through conversations, programs, policies, and research-based tools that promote safety, respect, and equality. By promoting safe behaviors, thoughtful policies, and healthy relationships, we can create safe and equitable communities where every person is treated with respect.

We are at a potential turning point. With America focused on this very important issue, we have an unprecedented opportunity to improve understanding and change behaviors. The time to rally communities and the broader public is now. (The National Sexual Violence Resource Center, NSVRC).

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Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program is highlighting awareness and education actives during the month of April. If you are a victim of sexual assault or know someone who is a victim, you can get help by calling Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program. Trained staff are available to respond to hospital calls 24 hours a day, advocate at court proceedings, assist in safety planning, and provide emotional support to victims and families. 

The 24-hour crisis line is 888-612-0266/712-328-0266 and other information is at CatholicCharitiesDM.org.

 

 

The Red Oak Express

2012 Commerce Drive
P.O. Box 377
Red Oak, IA 51566
Phone: 712-623-2566 Fax: 712-623-2568

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