For the month of April, WoMen’s Rural Advocacy Programs, Inc., (WRAP) would like to discuss sexual assault, awareness, and prevention.

Since 2001, the month of April has been coined as the National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and has helped to make huge strides to bring awareness and a voice to survivors of sexual assault.

Statistically, every 68 seconds someone in the United States is sexually assaulted, which is a total number of 531,810 people that were sexually assaulted in the year 2022 alone. The state of Minnesota reported at least 8% of 8th graders experienced sexual assault, and the numbers double to 16% in the Eleventh grade for experiencing sexual violence. 34% of reported youth survivors stated their abusers were family members and a staggering 93% of youth survivors reported they were violated by someone they knew.

Recent statistics show that by adulthood one out of every five females have experienced completed or attempted rape and one out of every four males have been sexually assaulted during their lifetime. As alarming as these statistics are, it is estimated that only 21.4% of sexual assaults have been reported. Many survivors of sexual assault do not report the crime for multiple reasons which could include fear, embarrassment, shame, cultural barriers, or lack of resources to get help.

Each survivor of sexual assault reacts to their experience differently. Sexual violence can cause long-lasting challenges that can include physical, emotional or psychological barriers that forces survivors to adjust their lives in an attempt to heal from the trauma caused by their experience. Sexual assault does not only affect the survivor, but it also has a huge impact on all of society as well. It is averaged that the economic impact per survivor in the U.S. is over $122,000, or a population economic burden of nearly $3.1 trillion dollars over victim’s lifetimes.

Some of the ways survivors can be physically impacted is bodily injury, STD or STI contraction, and for female survivors the possibility of pregnancy. Emotionally survivors go through a wide range of emotions while dealing with the assault. Emotions can range from guilt, fear, shame, and shock. Psychological impacts that are common after a sexual assault can include PTSD, depression, anxiety, and self-isolation.

Even though there are resources available for helping survivors after being assaulted, it is imperative that we learn how to be more aware of hazardous situations and take steps to prevent sexual assaults from happening and to be aware of possible signs of someone being sexually assaulted.

Prevention consist of many factors, such as understanding what consent is, practicing clear communication, and upholding personal boundaries. Consent is defined as all parties involved have a clear understanding and freely agree to all events that will happen. Consent can be given and taken back at any point.

If someone gives consent for sexual interactions then revokes that consent for any reason, sexual interactions that happen after the revocation is sexual assault. Practicing clear communication is being concise in conversations about what you are comfortable with and staying firm with what your boundaries are.

If someone feels comfortable talking about their situation, listen without judgment and make notes of parts you would like clarification on. It can be difficult to hear about what someone is going through so make sure to prepare yourself as much as possible and take care of your own emotions during this process.

If the person you suspect of being abused does not want to talk about their situation it is important to respect their choice and let them know you are there for them if they ever want to talk about anything. Giving victims contact information to the National Sexual Assault Hotline and any local advocacy programs is helpful as they have access to resources and trained professionals that help people going through many different situations.

Every person has the ability to make a difference and positive changes at a local, state, or federal level. Standing up against sexual abuse and advocating for victims is as simple as being a part of conversations at home, with friends or family, and at social outings can make positive impacts and encourage others to stand up against sexual assault.

Being a positive role model against assault is impactful, people around you will take note of your actions and could be inspired to adopt those same behaviors and positive actions.

Talking to local representatives about the importance of standing up against sexual assault and support voting for more funding for resources and prevention.

If you or someone you know is being sexually abused, you are not alone, we support and believe you. For more information or help contact WRAP at 1-800-639-2350 or www.letswrap.com, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or www.rainn.org.

— Becci tenBensel is executive director of Womens Rural Advocacy Programs