Stop Sexual Assault, Protect Those You Love

Have you seen folks wearing teal ribbons? April is National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention month. Some may wonder why we need a month to bring attention to sexual assault. Here's why:

* In 2004-2005, there were approximately 200,780 victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault. (How many will there be this year?)
* That means, every two and a half minutes, somewhere in America, someone is sexually assaulted. (How long have you been online?)
* One out of every six American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. (Think of six women you know.)
* In 8 out of 10 rape cases, the victim knew the perpetrator. (With whom are you associating?)
* Only about 40% of rapes sexual assaults were reported to law enforcement in 2003. (How many rapists are free to rape again?)
* Thankfully, since 1993, rape/sexual assault has fallen by over 69%. (Are you involved in the work that made this happen? Thank you!)

Because the numbers are so large, almost everyone is connected to someone involved in the crime of sexual assault. If you don't need this information now, you may well need it soon.

If you are sexually assaulted:

* Go to a safe place and call the National Sexual Assault Hotline 24 hours a day at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). The call is free from anywhere in the US and the conversation is confidential. If you prefer, visit www.rainn.org to find a rape crisis center near you. You'll talk to counselors at the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. For online counseling, visit 911rape.org.

* Write down as many details of the assault as possible and save the list. Even if you decide not to report the crime now, you may change your mind later.

* Get medical treatment, regardless of whether or not you intend to report the crime.

* DO NOT shower, douche, or use any medication before seeking medical care. DO NOT wash or change clothing or sheets or straighten the scene of the assault.

Do all you can to prevent sexual assault. Start now. You owe to yourself, or someone you love - even if you don't know it yet.

"As long as there is rape ... there is not going to be any peace or justice or equality or freedom. You are not going to become what you want to become or who you want to become. You are not going to live in the world you want to live in." - Andrea Dworkin (1946-2005), U.S. feminist, critic.