“Sexual Assault Awareness Month” (SAAM) is basically a time when people focus on spreading awareness about sexual assault and ways to prevent it. It all started back in the 1970s when activists started speaking up more about the issue and demanding change. The first “Take Back the Night” event, where people rallied against sexual violence, happened in the ’70s too. But SAAM as a whole month thing didn’t officially kick off until the late ’90s.
Basically, the goal is to educate folks about sexual assault, support survivors, and promote ways to stop it from happening. Organizations, schools, and communities hold events, workshops, and campaigns throughout the month to raise awareness. It’s all about saying, “Hey, this is a serious problem, and we need to do something about it.” And since then, it’s been gaining more attention and support every year.
Also, the #MeToo movement is pretty huge. It all began in 2006 when a woman named Tarana Burke, an activist, started using the phrase “Me Too” to raise awareness about sexual violence and support survivors, especially young women of color. But it didn’t really explode until 2017.
In October 2017, the floodgates opened when a bunch of allegations of sexual harassment and assault came out against a big-shot Hollywood producer named Harvey Weinstein. Actress Alyssa Milano encouraged people to tweet “#MeToo” if they had experienced sexual harassment or assault, and it took off like wildfire on social media. Suddenly, tons of people, including celebrities, were sharing their own #MeToo stories, showing just how widespread this issue is.
The movement didn’t stop there. It spread like crazy across industries, shining a light on the dark corners where sexual misconduct had been hiding for way too long. It led to important conversations about power dynamics, consent, and holding perpetrators accountable.
Since then, #MeToo has become more than just a hashtag. It’s a powerful force for change, pushing for policies, laws, and cultural shifts to prevent sexual harassment and assault and support survivors. It’s still going strong, and it’s made a huge impact on how we talk about and deal with sexual misconduct.
Sexual assault occurs when there is a complete lack of mutual consent, so let’s break down consent in plain terms. Consent means that everyone involved in a sexual situation is cool with what’s happening. It’s not just about saying “yes” — it’s about saying “yes” enthusiastically and freely. There is no such thing as “implied consent.” Consent must be given before proceeding into the sexual act.
Here’s the deal: If someone isn’t into it, doesn’t matter if they say nothing or even if they said “yes” before. If they’re not feeling it anymore, that’s a hard stop. Respect that. And it’s not just about words; it’s about body language too. If someone seems unsure, uncomfortable, or too wasted to make decisions, that’s a no-go zone.
Bottom line: Always check in, make sure everyone’s on the same page, and never, ever push someone into doing something they don’t want to do. That’s not just common decency; it’s the law. And if you’re not sure, just ask. It’s not awkward; it’s respectful. Consent isn’t just sexy; it’s necessary!
What do you do if sexual assault happens to you? After experiencing sexual assault, the victim should take care of themselves however feels right for them. First off, it’s crucial to know it’s not their fault. They didn’t ask for it, and they sure as hell didn’t deserve it. So, they shouldn’t feel guilty or ashamed.
It’s totally okay to reach out for help. That could mean talking to a friend, family member, or therapist who can offer support and understanding. Reporting the assault to the authorities is an option, but it’s entirely up to the victim. They should never feel pressured into it, and whatever decision they make is valid. Most victims don’t want to report it, but if there was penetration and an exchange of bodily fluids, it’s advisable that the victim be examined at the hospital, especially in the case of rape, to help avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI’s). The sooner the better for optimum safety!
Taking care of their physical and mental health is super important too. Whether that means getting medical attention, seeking counseling, or practicing self-care activities like journaling or meditation, they should do whatever helps them heal.
Most importantly, they should remember they’re not alone. There are support groups, hotlines, and organizations out there filled with people who get it and want to help. No one should have to go through this alone, and there’s strength in seeking support.
What if you’re the witness to a sexual assault? If you’re a bystander and you witness sexual assault going down, it’s time to step up and do something. Don’t just stand there; take action. But, before jumping in, make sure it’s safe for you too. You don’t want to put yourself in harm’s way.
First off, check in with the victim and make sure they’re okay. Offer support and let them know you’re there for them. If it’s safe, try to intervene and stop the assault. That could mean creating a distraction, getting help from others, or directly confronting the perpetrator if you feel comfortable.
After the assault, continue to support the victim. Listen to them, validate their feelings, and encourage them to seek help if they need it. You can also offer to accompany them to report the assault to the authorities or seek medical attention.
Remember, being a bystander doesn’t mean staying silent. It means being proactive and doing your part to help someone in need. So, if you see something, say something, and take action to make a difference.
Crises Services
National Sexual Assault Hotline – 800.656.HOPE (4673)
The hotline provides emotional support, advice and crisis intervention and through local partnerships callers can receive immediate help in their community.
National Sexual Assault Online Hotline – online.rainn.org
The online hotline provides support, advice, and crisis intervention through a secure instant-messaging format. For help in Spanish, visit rainn.org/es.
National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1.800.787.7233 or www.thehotline.org
The hotline provides 24/7 confidential, one-on-one support to each caller, offering crisis assistance and information about next steps. Bilingual advocates are on hand, and the Language Line offers translations in 170+ different languages.
Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center And the Sexual Assault Support & Help For Americans Abroad Program – 866.USWOMEN (879.6636)
The crisis center can be reached internationally toll-free from 175 countries, serving both civilian and military populations overseas. Advocates can be reached 24/7 by first dialing your AT&T USADirect access number and at the prompt, enter the phone number: 866-USWOMEN (879-6636).
Information and Resources
Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network
RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual-assault organization and a national leader in online crisis intervention services. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline. All services are free, confidential and available 24/7.
https://rainn.org
Joyful Heart Foundation
The mission of the Joyful Heart Foundation is to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, support survivors’ healing, and end this violence forever.
http://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/
VictimConnect Resource Center
The VictimConnect Resource Center provides a place for crime victims to access information about their rights and options, resources, and referrals. In addition to web-based resources, a traditional telephone-based helpline and online chat are available.
victimconnect.org or 8.55.4.VICTIM (855.484.2846)
NotAlone
NotAlone provides resources for students, schools, and other individuals interested in finding way to respond to and prevent sexual assault. NotAlone was launched in connection with the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault and provide a tool to locate local services and resources.
Not Alone
