Why should you care that April is Sexual Assault Awareness month? It is not just happening in developing nations or in large crime-ridden cities; it is happening right here at home. Just pull up your zip code on the Texas Sex Offender Registry database and see how many sex offenders live around you. Scary thing is, what you see is probably only half of the sex offenders in the area since most of these crimes go unreported or there is not enough evidence to convict.
Each dot represents a sex offender
Think of five important women in your life, such as your mother, wife, girlfriend, close friend, daughter, sister, or cousin. Based on statistical findings, one of them has been raped, and it was most likely by someone she knew. Her attacker might have even been someone that you know as well and this woman probably never told anyone about what happened to her.
Why do some women chose to remain silent? Most women are scared that people won’t believe them, especially if it is by someone that they know. Some are scared that the rapist will harm them if they tell. Some are concerned about the stigma that society places on rape victims. Others are ashamed or they may still have trouble believing it themselves. There are so many reasons that an estimated 80 percent of rapes do not get reported. We need to encourage women to speak out because if these men aren’t stopped, they will continue to do it again and again to other women.
There is no “one way” to react to a sexual assault. Every woman will act differently to this trauma. Some may get depressed, suicidal even, while others may be become angry and lash out at little things. Some women may just lock it away and never deal with it, while others will not be able to concentrate on anything because they cannot stop thinking about it. It will affect the sex lives’ of many women, their relationships with their family, their ability to trust people, and even the joy they used to feel. They may even blame themselves when, in reality, there was nothing they could do.
How can you help? For women you suspect have been victims of sexual assault, just be a friend, be trustworthy, and always be willing to listen. Let people know that you will believe them and stand by them no matter what they tell you. Never force someone to do something that you sense they are uncomfortable with. To help prevent an assault, don’t be afraid to intervene or tell someone of authority if you see a man taking advantage of a women who you think is too “out of it” to consent to anything.
You can also help raise awareness of these horrendous crimes by supporting SafePlace, which works to create a community free of rape, sexual abuse and domestic violence. I will be participating in their annual Field Day as part of the Fit & Fearless Team. Please consider donating to our team or contact SafePlace directly to find out ways in which you can help.
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