I am so sad to say I never knew that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. I never knew that there is such a need for awareness and resources needed for those who have been sexually assaulted. I discovered this information after I started my new series called Breaking Layers of Injustice for Women. In my research for resources and help to encourage women, men, and children who have been sexually assaulted, that when I came across the fact that April is a very special month. A time when we can come together to bring awareness to the problem that is so hidden and shut off. No one wants to talk about it and so the problems continue to get worst in our communities across the nation.
The numbers are horrific, both in America and around the world of the sexual assaults that are reported and not reported. According to the organization called Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN), every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. Did you know that only 25 of every 1,000 rapists will end up in prison? Did you know that every 9 minutes a child is a victim of sexual assault? Out of 1,000 sexual assaults, 975 perpetrators will walk free. Did you know that the majority of sexual assaults are NOT reported to the police? That means that 2 out of 3 go unreported. Over 80,000 inmates were sexually assaulted or raped. 60,000 children were victims of sexual abuse. Over 430,000 of the general public 12 and older were sexually assaulted or raped.
If you are anyone you know needs help, call 1-800-656-HOPE. OR GO TO RAINN.ORG.
What can we do in our communities to bring about justice for these victims? We can begin to change our local and state laws and policies around these issues. Too many people go free from being held accountable for their actions to force sex or unwanted sexual behavior on others.
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