April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Sexual assault and sexual violence tend to be topics that no one wants to talk about..
And why would we?
No one wants to think about the true depth of horror these people have suffered. Our sisters. Brothers. Friends. Neighbors.
They have been violated, betrayed, and abused and there’s nothing that will truly make that alright.
So.. why discuss it?
To acknowledge.
To ease.
To help prevent it from happening to someone else.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Trust your instincts.
Never eat or drink anything from an open container.
Notify someone of where you are, who you’re with, and when you should be returning.
Stay informed, talk about it, and learn how to better protect yourself and your loved ones.
National Sexual Assault Hotline
Hours: Available 24 hours
1-800-656-4673
The sad truth is..
Statistics show that among the victims of sexual assault 91% of women and 9% of men worldwide.
Nearly 99% are perpetrated by men.
More than 80% of the time.. the assault was completed by someone the victim (survivor) knew.
And only 2% of rapists are ever convicted.
Don’t even get me started on the statistics for sexually assaulted children 12 and under..
It’s incomprehensible. Heartbreaking. Infuriating.
No one has the right to make you feel unsafe.. Afraid.. Vulnerable.
No one has a right to your body that you haven’t given them.
No one has the right, and still, it happens.
You are not a victim.
You’re a survivor.
You are not alone.
You’re a warrior.
You are not defined by this experience.
And it will not defeat you.
If you or someone you love has been the target of sexual assault or abuse..
You don’t have to do this alone.
You’re experience is yours, it happened to you, and no one will ever fully understand what you endured.. but there are others.
There are resources that can help you find the information and support you need to begin healing.
National Resources for Sexual Assault Survivors and their Loved Ones
Do you have family? Friends? A well-meaning therapist or psychiatrist?
Let yourself lean on them.
Let them, just for now, carry some of that weight.
My thoughts, heart, and prayers go out to you and yours.
Be kind to yourself, always.
