By: Sally Roller
April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. This is a specific, dedicated time to increase knowledge and awareness surrounding sexual violence as well as support survivors.[1] Sexual violence is sexual activity when consent is not obtained or freely given. It is a serious public health problem in the United States that profoundly impacts lifelong health, opportunity, and well-being. [2] More than half of all women and nearly one-third of all men in the United States have experienced sexual violence. The rate of sexual violence is higher for people of color.
President Biden issued a proclamation in March 2024 on National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.[3] President Biden said in his statement:
Sexual violence affects every community in this Nation, leaving millions of Americans — our neighbors, friends, colleagues, and loved ones — scarred. For many survivors, healing can take years, and for some, the pain never heals completely. During National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, we recommit to standing with survivors, holding perpetrators accountable, and bringing an end to a culture that has allowed sexual assault to occur for far too long.
. . .
This National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, let us each recommit to stepping up and doing our part to intervene in, prevent, and end sexual assault in our communities. Let us redouble our efforts to support and stand with survivors of sexual assault. Let us pledge to work together to create a society that is truly safe, where all Americans can pursue their dreams without fear of assault, abuse, or harassment.
Please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline for Confidential 24/7 Support, if you are in need of help.[4] You can chat online at: online.rainn.org. You can also speak to someone who can help: 800.656.4673.
[1] Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services, 2024 Sexual Assault Awareness Month, available at: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofvps/sexual-assault-awareness-month.
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Violence Prevention, available at: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/sexualviolence/fastfact.html.
[3] The White House, A Proclamation on National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, 2024, available at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/03/29/a-proclamation-on-national-sexual-assault-awareness-and-prevention-month-2024/.
[4] RAINN, National Sexual Assault Hotline, available at: https://www.rainn.org/resources.