How Joy is stolen through Sexual Assault

1 in every 5 women have experience attempted or actual rape during their lifetime. 1 in every 4 males have experienced rape for the first time between the ages of 11-14. 

The statistics above are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) and they are a glaring reminder that sexual assault and rape is a huge problem in the United States and a health crisis. April has been designated Sexual Assault month, but this is an issue that needs attention 365 days a year. In a large number of rape and sexual assault cases, many of the victims are assaulted as children and knew their attackers. The CDC estimates that the cost of child sexual abuse cost the United States 9.3 billion dollars and $122,461 per adult victim. The financial cost that was stated incorporates the cost of therapy, lost wages, criminal activity, and medical bills. The intangible cost of rape or sexual assault on men, women, and children can not be quantified, but can be expressed as a violation or death of a part of you that can not be made whole. The victims of sexual assault and rape can suffer from anxiety and depression, develop Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). 

How do we prevent sexual assault and sexual violence? 

The ‘Stop SV’ campaign promotes 5 solutions to stop sexual violence in your family and community. 

1. Promote Social Norms that Protect against Violence. 

1. Teach Skills to Prevent Sexual Violence 

1. Provide Opportunities that Empower and Support Girls and Women. 

1. Create Protective Environments 

1. Support Victims/ Survivors to Lessen Harm 

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• sexual assault awareness month
• sexual consent