In the United States, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness around sexual assault and educate communities on how to prevent it. We know that one month alone isn’t enough to solve the serious and widespread issue of sexual violence, but the attention April generates is an opportunity to energize and expand awareness and prevention efforts throughout the year. Sexual violence can happen to anyone and can have a lifelong impact, including long-term medical issues, chronic health problems and shortened life span. According to statistics compiled by CAWS North Dakota, in 2022, there were 1,139 primary victims of sexual assault and 292 secondary victims of sexual assault in North Dakota. And at least 298 of the primary victims were under the age of 18 at the time of the assault.
The statistics might feel overwhelming; however, the good news is that prevention is possible and is happening in North Dakota. Having conversations about sexual assault, learning how to be an active bystander, being a part of Green Dot, challenging behaviors that contribute to violence, and showing support for violence prevention efforts all contribute to ending sexual harassment, misconduct, and abuse in communities. Believing and supporting survivors is another important piece in ending sexual violence. There are many ways that we can each choose one small action to help create safer environments for everyone in ND and end sexual assault.
Becoming more connected by volunteering, talking to you those people in your life that you have a relationship with about healthy relationships, sharing positive messages are all ways to make connections that help build protective factors against sexual violence. We can all be part of the solution to ending sexual violence in our communities.
There are many actions we can take as a community to stop sexual assault before it occurs. We can:
- Build awareness by participating in events like Denim Day on April 26!
- Be a role model for healthy relationships by embodying respect, equality, and lifting others up.
- Believe survivors of sexual assault.
- Start conversations with your friends and family about healthy relationships.
- Invite people in your life to learn more about how to be an Active Bystander by getting involved with Green Dot.
- Posting comments or sharing content on social media that communicates an intolerance of violence.
- Hanging up signage in your workspace or home that supports prevention.
- Adding a violence prevention message to your email signature or out of office message.
- Familiarize yourself with local sexual assault advocacy resources and tell your friends about them if they are ever looking for support. You can find many great resources by going to CAWS North Dakota and the Abused Adult Resource Center’s websites.
By building on current relationships, taking action and making new connections, North Dakotans will be better equipped to provide community-wide support to victims and survivors of sexual assault. Thank you for being a part of our Green Dot community!