Every April the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) sponsors a Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign, #SAAM, designed to educate, to empower survivors, and to help prevent sexual violence across the country. This year the campaign, dubbed “I Ask”, focuses on the ways we talk (and don’t talk) about consent, and encouraging people to do better.
Let’s raise awareness by spreading the facts. Below you will see a snapshot of sexual assault in the United States the scope of the problem, the cost of sexual assault on victims and on the nation as a whole, sexual assault reporting and criminal justice, as well as resources for survivors.
1. Scope
Although we are making strides in reducing sexual violence, it remains one of the most common crimes in the country.
2. Impact
The consequences of sexual assault extend further than many realize, both in regard to the mental, emotional and physical health of the survivors, as well as the economic burdens of their recovery. The costs of sexual violence also extend beyond the survivors; sexual violence costs the nation more than any other crime.
3. Criminal justice and Reporting
While sexual assault is one of the most common crimes committed in the country and the costliest, it is also the crime that is most under-reported, and prosecuted with the least success.
4. Resources
If you or someone you care about are a survivor of sexual violence, there are many organizations that can help. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is a perfect place to begin the search for resources and recovery.
RAINN has a National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline (800.656.HOPE (4673))
Calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline gives you access to a range of free services including:
To find more facts and statistics about the present state of sexual violence in the country, visit RAINN here, and NSVRC here.
Join the conversation on social media, by using the hashtags #BeWell, #BeHeard, and #BeThere, and by using this year’s hashtags from the Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign, #SAAM and #IAsk.