Consent Education

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time when organizations and individuals come together to raise awareness about sexual assault and how it affects survivors. This year's SAAM theme is "We Can Build Safe Online Spaces," emphasizing the importance of promoting safe online spaces for everyone.

Sexual assault is a pervasive and devastating problem that affects individuals of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. It is estimated that one in six women and one in 33 men in the United States have experienced sexual assault in their lifetime. However, it is important to note that sexual assault does not just happen to cisgender women, but also to individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ and individuals who are non-binary.

Sexual assault can have long-lasting and traumatic effects on survivors, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Survivors of sexual assault may also experience physical injuries and may need medical attention.

One of the ways we can promote sexual assault awareness is by educating ourselves and others about consent. Consent means that all parties involved in a sexual encounter have given explicit and enthusiastic permission to engage in sexual activity. Consent must be ongoing and can be withdrawn at any time.

Another way to promote sexual assault awareness is by challenging harmful attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate sexual violence. This includes addressing rape culture, which is a set of beliefs and practices that normalize and excuse sexual violence. Rape culture can manifest in many ways, such as victim-blaming, slut-shaming, and the use of language that trivializes or normalizes sexual violence.

It's also essential to know how to support survivors of sexual assault. Listening, believing, and validating a survivor's experience can be powerful and healing. Encouraging survivors to seek help and access resources such as counseling or advocacy services can also be beneficial.

Lastly, creating safe online spaces is crucial for preventing sexual violence. This means taking steps to address online harassment, cyberstalking, and revenge porn. We can all do our part by reporting abusive behavior, promoting positive online interactions, and advocating for stronger laws and policies that protect individuals from online sexual violence.

In conclusion, SAAM is an opportunity to raise awareness about sexual assault, challenge harmful attitudes and behaviors, and promote safe online spaces. By working together, we can help prevent sexual violence and support survivors on their healing journey.