Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2022

By: Brooke Paganelli

April 1st marks the beginning of sexual assault awareness month (SAAM). Sexual assault awareness month is a time to bring light to the prevalent issue of sexual assault in America. In America, someone is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds. 

Advocacy for sexual assault awareness began in the 40s and 50s. At this time, efforts for sexual assault awareness were championed mainly by black women and other women of color. The movement ramped up in the 70s, bringing heightened awareness and support to survivors. In the following decades, legislation would be passed supporting the movement, such as the Violence Against Women Act of 1993. In 2001, Sexual Assault Awareness Month became nationally observed.

Unlike other crimes, there is a deep underlying stigma with being sexually assaulted. People often assume that the victim is “asking for it” somehow when sexual assault is never the victim’s fault. However, most sexual assaults and rape go unreported due to this stigma. What is reported to the police often goes unconvicted. Out of every 1,000 sexual assaults, 310 get reported, and six lead to incarceration.

Little girls grow up being told how to keep themselves safe from assault. Throw away your drink every time you go to the bathroom. Don’t wear your hair in a ponytail when walking alone. Scream “fire,” not “help.” But the truth is, rather than teaching our children what to do to keep from being assaulted; we should be teaching the concept of consent from a young age, preventing the assaulter from developing. 

This April, there are many things that we can do that can and will lead to change. Firstly, you can donate money to our organization to aid in our work to act against sexual assault. Second, you can work to spread awareness of modern concepts of consent and other prevalent information. You can do this through social media or even just word of mouth. Thirdly, write letters to your representatives telling them that you care about sexual assault awareness. If they know that people care in their district and are impacted by the matter, they are likely to author and back bills that work to change outdated sexual assault policy. 97% of all women have experienced sexual assault, harassment, or rape. Change starts with us. The first step is to try.