According to the NSVRC, every two minutes someone in the US is sexually assaulted. One in five women and one in fourteen men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. And even more heartbreaking is the statistic that shows that one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday.
Sexual assault is a serious issue that affects millions of people each year, and it is more than just a number. It is a complex issue that involves physical, mental, and emotional harm to the victim. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), an important time to discuss the prevalence of sexual violence and how it impacts individuals, families, and communities. This month is also a time to raise awareness about what can be done to prevent sexual assault and provide resources for survivors of sexual violence.
Sexual abuse is a serious problem, and the number of people affected by it is staggering. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) defines sexual assault as any type of sexual contact that occurs without the consent of all parties involved. This can include verbal pressure, physical force, or even threats of violence. Unfortunately, sexual assault is a widespread problem that affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
What statistics don’t show is the long lasting and deeply damaging impact that sexual abuse can have on a person’s life. Sexual assault is an act of violence and intimidation that can leave a person feeling scared, violated, and ashamed. It can also have a lasting impact on their mental and physical health. The trauma of sexual assault can lead to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as physical ailments like headaches, fatigue, and digestive issues.
The trauma of sexual assault can also cause a survivor to feel isolated and ashamed. This can lead to difficulty in forming relationships, and can make it hard for a survivor to get the help they need.
This month, we will be sharing a series of social media posts with the theme “SA>#: Sexual Assault is more than Just a Number.” These posts will focus on the impact of sexual assault and dig deep into the stories behind the numbers. While we won’t be sharing individual victims’ stories, we will be focusing on how each and every statistic is an actual person, perhaps even someone you know.
Sexual assault is a crime that affects many people, both directly and indirectly. It can have devastating effects on victims, their families, and the communities in which they live. It is important to realize that sexual assault is not just a statistic, but a reality for far too many people.
