Kylee Estudante, PASSAGES Inc., Dubois, Pa
April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). This year’s campaign focuses on “engaging new voices,” which will attempt to connect coaches, parents and faith leaders in addition to survivors of sexual assault and other members of the community who are already involved in the annual cause.
The Facts:
- One in five women and one in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives.
- In eight out of 10 cases of rape, the victim knew the person who sexually assaulted them.
- Rape is the most under-reported crime; 63 percent of sexual assaults are not reported to police.
- Only 12 percent of child sexual abuse is reported to the authorities.
Everyone understands that sexual violence impacts victims and their families, but the effects of these crimes on communities and society are less obvious.
Sexual violence creates an environment of fear, anger and disbelief in the workplaces, campuses and communities that it occurs in.
What Can You Do?
All members in the community can model healthy/supportive relationships, call out disrespectful or harmful behaviors and challenge the societal acceptance of rape.
Businesses can take action by implementing policies that promote safety, respect and equality. Prevention starts with, awareness, education, avoiding victim-blaming and believing survivors when they share their stories.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, know that you are not alone.
PASSAGES is a local agency dedicated to providing education, advocacy, counseling and legal support for local victims and their families.
All services are free and confidential. Learn more at www.passages-inc.org. Community volunteers are always needed.
If we all work together, prevention is possible! Join your community in helping everyone see their role in preventing sexual violence. You can learn more about SAAM at www.nsvrc.org/saam.
The Women’s Health Task Force is a small group volunteering their time to educate women and families on important health issues.
If you have an interest in health, work in a caring profession, or just want to volunteer with other sincere women, consider attending our planning meetings.
Meetings are traditionally held the first Friday of the month beginning at 12 p.m. at Clearfield County Career & Technology Center, with April 7 as the next meeting.
All interested persons are encouraged to attend. Additional information is available by calling Robin Kuleck, Penn State Extension, at 814-765-7878, Ext.2. Find the group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whtfclearfieldcounty.
