April 11, 2025 by Ava Tatum (‘25)
Every 68 seconds, someone in America is sexually assaulted, and those who are 12-34 years old are at the highest risk years for assault or rape. But what is sexual assault and what can you do to support victims or even prevent the act itself?
Sexual violence or sexual assault is defined as any type of unwanted sexual contact, this includes physical and verbal actions. Unfortunately, anyone can be a victim of sexual abuse, women, men, children, elderly people; in that same vein, anyone can sexually assault a person, and all types of sexual abuse should be validated.
One of the biggest reasons for victims being silent about their abuse is because of the stigma surrounding sexual violence. It’s taboo, but let’s make it a safe space for all victims. Starting with personal behaviors you can exhibit so that there are never any miscommunications.
- Consent: Consent should be freely given and informed, a person should be able to change their mind at any time. Consent is not a one-time thing, it should not be expected if you are in a committed relationship with someone, it cannot be given by minors or people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and most importantly, it’s not embarrassing to ask for consent.
- Believe Victims: A victim is never at fault, it doesn’t matter what they were wearing, what substances they took, or what they said to “provoke” the assaulter. 33% of women who are sexually assaulted contemplate suicide. Change the statistics: if someone comes to you about their experience, speak to them with empathy and encourage them to report their assault and help them find support.
- Advocate: There are so many resources (linked at the end of the article) for further knowledge on types of sexual abuse, supporting victims, and reporting sexual violence. Once you are knowledgeable on the topic, volunteer at your local rape crisis center, get involved in rallies and protests to raise awareness about sexual violence and protect women’s bodily autonomy, and if you can, donate.
Victims of abuse should be recognized every month, so be sure to continue advocating, volunteering, researching, donating, and most importantly, listening and believing those who speak up.
If you have suffered from this type of violence, remember, you are not alone and you do not have to struggle in silence. Get in touch with a trusted adult inside or outside school or look at any of these resources for further information.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): RAINN | The nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization or call 800-656-4673
NSVRC (National Sexual Violence Resource Center): Homepage | National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
Victim Connect: Victim Connect Resource Center – Confidential referrals for crime victims or call 855-484-2846