Everything You Need to Know About Sexual Assault Awareness

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) with the first Tuesday of the month always marking the SAAM Day of ActionThis year’s Day of Action is April 5, which kicks off the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s (NSCRC) annual campaign, where advocates, allies, and survivors share important information about common issues related to sexual violence today.

For many of us, it is unfortunately no secret that sexual harassment and assault are extremely widespread. International movements of the last decade Sluts Walk has #Me too drew attention to the problems of rape culture, slut shameand the blaming of victims of sexual assault, but the work is far from over.

According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, an American is assaulted every 68 seconds. On average, 463,634 victims (ages 12 and older) of sexual assault are reported each year, making it one of the most prevalent crimes in the country.

SAAM’s goal is to raise awareness about the harsh reality of sexual violence, advocate for safe and inclusive spaces for all, and show that survivors are not only believed but can be supported according to their needs.

Sexual violence affects everyone

Sexual assault disproportionately affects marginalized people. 90% of adult sexual violence survivors are women, and nearly 80% of them experience their first assault before the age of 25. And if you are queer, trans, or gender nonconforming, or a person of colorthese chances increase considerably.

For example, the CDC found that Bisexual women are twice as likely experience sexual assault than heterosexual women, transgender and gender non-conforming students are more likely to be assaulted than their cis colleaguesand people of color see it more often than white people with Indigenous peoples are most at risk, regardless of race. Women who commit sexual violence in their lifetime are not immune to being a man or a boy. While cisgender men represent the vast majority of those who commit sexual violence, one in ten victims is a man.

No matter how you look at it, sexual assault is a widespread problem that affects everyone. Despite its prevalence, sexual assault and harassment remains one of the most underreported crimesEven in this post-#MeToo world, there is still much work to be done to break the stigma around this issue and take power away from perpetrators. With numbers this staggering, chances are you know someone who has been a victim of sexual violence. Maybe you are that survivor. The story doesn’t need to be told to validate the victim’s experience. But it is by coming together in solidarity to share information for survivors and work toward a safer future that we can build a more inclusive and empowered world for all.

SAAM: Building safe online spaces together

While technology has made it possible to connect with others in new ways and build and maintain healthy, meaningful relationships, this level of access to others also has its downside. And while it can happen anywhere, the Internet has made these abusive and predatory sexual behaviors even more prevalent. Online sexual harassment, cyber-exhibitionism, “revenge porn,” and image exploitation have all become commonplace and an integral part of online life.

In 2021, SAAM called us to action with its campaign stating: “We can create safe spaces online.” This year’s campaign – “Building Safe Online Spaces Together” – picks up where last year left off by focusing our efforts on the harassment and abuse that frequently occur in online spaces and aspiring to build thriving virtual communities based on safety, respect and inclusion “where harassment, assault and abuse are taken seriously.”

What is online sexual harassment or abuse?

Online sexual abuse can be any type of sexual harassment, exploitation or abuse that takes place through screens. This can include:

– Send unwanted or unsolicited online communications about sex or hateful comments based on sex, gender identity and/or sexual orientation.

– Sending someone nude images without their consent or invitation (such as unsolicited penis pictures), also known as “cyber-flashing”

– Performing sexual acts on webcam without the consent of all viewers

– Sharing intimate photos or videos without the consent of the people featured in the media, also sometimes called “revenge porn”

– Forcing someone to perform sexual acts by threatening to harm them or

– Sending someone unwanted requests for nude photos or videos of sexual acts

– Sharing porn in a virtual space where not everyone has consented to view it, such as in Zoom meetings where this act is called “Zoombombing”

– Preparation of minors for sexual exploitation or abuse

Ways to Get Involved in Sexual Assault Awareness Month

There are many ways to get involved with SAAM this year.

– Wear teal on the Day of Action: Show your support for survivors of sexual violence by wearing teal and posting a selfie with the hashtag #SAAM2022. Teal is the color of sexual violence prevention. When you wear this color, you let people know that you support the situation of survivors of sexual assault and that you are a safe person to turn to for such questions.

– Participate in the #30DaysofSAAM Challenges: Every day of the month, there is a new invitation for fun and creative ways to raise awareness and connect with others in the global community.

– Change your Zoom background: Choose one of two SAAM teal ribbon backgrounds to show your support for the cause.

– Get involved on social networks: use the SAAM Social Media Graphics and Gifs to help spread the word and energize it using #SAAM2022.

– Host or attend a SAAM event: The beauty of the internet is that many events are now virtual, allowing you to host or attend from anywhere.

– Donate to an organization that provides services to survivors: Support your local rape crisis center Or Support the NSVRC by donating to them directly.

Resources for Survivors

Sexual assault crisis centres and victim support organizations are located across North America. The services they provide can vary, but typically include victim advocacy, education, support and guidance during medical procedures and dealing with law enforcement, and referrals to other relevant resources.

In the United States, the NSVRC retains its directory of respected organizations up to date. You can also call RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotlinewho can connect you with a rape crisis center near you. This hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-4673 or through their online chat service. In Canada, rape and crisis support services The benefits offered vary from one province to another.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services hotline.