April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Mommination strives to bring awareness to our audience during the month of April and throughout the year. Please proceed with caution if this topic may be a trigger for you. We hope to offer resources and provide a safe space for all. The information shared below can be found on the National Sexual Violence Resource Center website.
In the United States ONE in FIVE Women has survived completed rape or attempted during their lifetime.
Think about that statistic. There are so many silent survivors amongst us.
About half (51.1%) of female victims of rape reported being raped by an intimate partner and 40.8% by an acquaintance.
Often times, the assailant is someone who the victim knows. Family members, friends or partners.
source: https://www.nsvrc.org/publications/NISVS-2010-summary-report
Resources for survivors
Below you will find a link from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center providing resources for survivors. Please share this information if you know a survivor who may be looking for assistance.
https://www.nsvrc.org/survivors
For Family and friends
How to Help
As a family member or friend of a survivor, there may be some confusion on how to help. Here, you will find a link to a 23-page guide for reference.
https://www.nsvrc.org/how-to-help
What defines assault?
There are several different types of sexual violence. Any type of unwanted/unsolicited sexual contact can be classified as sexual violence. Becoming aware of what assault is can increase your opportunity to be an ally/advocate.
https://www.nsvrc.org/about-sexual-assault-friends-family
How can we increase safety and prevention?
First, let’s become educated on what classifies as consent. Starting with our children, refrain from encouraging them to engage in unwanted hugs or kisses from adults in their lives. “We can all help prevent sexual violence by modeling and promoting healthy and positive relationships that are based on respect, safety, and equality“, as suggested by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.
- Educate yourself and share the information with others.
- It is never appropriate to victim blame or shame.
- Refrain from engaging in inappropriate content online, social media and even jokingly
- Speak up if you are in a situation that makes you uncomfortable
Ways to get involved
Increasing our awareness and becoming involved allows us to become allies and advocates. Creating safe places of understanding and empathy may increase a survivor’s chances to seek support. Education may equal prevention.
https://www.nsvrc.org/get-involved
To our survivors, we love you. We see you. If you are in need of any support, please look into the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Please find a local agency, church or safe place that can provide you with the care that you need.
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