Opening Statement:
Sexual Assault Awareness Month’s Day of Action is held yearly on the first Tuesday in April. This year, it is observed on April 1st. The day raises awareness about sexual assault. The goal is to prevent sexual assault, harassment, and abuse through education. It is critical to teach consent and comprehend boundaries. The day promotes important tools to help shift cultural views through social media campaigns, events, and more. Throughout the month and beyond, the day offers methods to support victims.
History of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month's Day of Action
· Following the broader trend of social activity throughout the decade, the 1970s saw a tremendous increase in prevention and awareness of sexual violence across America. Beyond raising awareness, the Bay Area Women Against Rape created the nation’s first rape crisis center in 1971, providing urgent victim care. Take Back the Night marches have gathered women in an organized protest against rape and sexual abuse since 1976. These activities eventually merged into a movement spread across the U.S. and Europe. As a result of this campaign, more widespread actions to raise awareness about violence against women occurred.
· Domestic abuse awareness became the focus in the early 1980s when campaigners utilized October to raise awareness of violence against women. The National Coalition Against Sexual Assault (N.C.A.S.A.) conducted an informal poll of state sexual assault coalitions in the late 1980s to select the best date for a national Sexual Assault Awareness Week. In the late 1990s, numerous advocates started organizing programs and events throughout April to support the concept of a nationally recognized month for sexual violence awareness and prevention. SAAM was first noticed across the country in April 2001.
· The Violence Against Women Act was written and implemented in 1994, bringing together state coalitions, activists, and victims. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center was established in 2000 by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and the Centers for Disease Control. The N.S.V.R.C. organized the first official national Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign in 2001.
Frequent Asked Questions
· Are strangers involved in sexual assault?
More than half of raped women mention that the perpetrator was a close friend or family member.
· Who is more likely to be a victim of sexual assault?
Anyone can experience sexual assault, but women are nine times more likely than males to suffer from it.
How to Observe National Sexual Assault Awareness Month's Day of Action
· Show Online Support
Share social media posts on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to show your support. To share on social media, use the hashtag #SAAMDayOfAction.
· Learn About This Day
Take advantage of this day to learn more about sexual violence and assault. Learn about consent and how it works, then share what you've learned.
· Go To the N.S.V.R.C. Website
Make time in your calendar to attend one of the many events on this day. For further information, go to the N.S.V.R.C. website.
5 Important Facts About Sexual Assault
1. Every 73 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.
2. More than a third of women and a quarter of men have experienced sexual violence.
3. About 20% of American women have reported being the victim of a rape, either attempted or successful.
4. Roughly 13% of women who have been raped attempt suicide.
5. Survivors of sexual assault are ten times more likely to use heavy drugs.
Closing Statement:
The day is not just for women; it is for everyone. Men, women, girls, and boys are all at risk of or have been victims of sexual assault at some point in their life. This day is part of an effort to safeguard everyone from this heinous crime. The awareness provides activists and educators with the tools and resources they need to engage their communities in the prevention and education of sexual assault. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of permission and boundary respect. This day and the awareness efforts, helps reduce stigma. Assault victims face a great deal of shame. This day encourages open discussion about sexual assault issues, which can help survivors overcome their feelings of guilt, stigma, and urges individuals to seek assistance and community understanding.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches and Printed Marketing
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
Comments