• Every 2.5 minutes someone is sexually assaulted in the U.S.
• 1 in 6 American women are victims of sexual assault.
• About 80% of rape victims are under age 30.
• College-age women are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted than any other age group.

(Source: RAINN)

Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month (SAAPM), observed in April, is dedicated to raising awareness of sexual violence and its prevention. The hope is that a month of intensified awareness efforts combined with the sexual violence prevention work throughout the year will bring us closer to ending sexual assault. The 2007 SAAPM is currently helping communities recognize that everyone is responsible for preventing sexual violence and that it requires all of us to work together.

What To Do If You Are Sexually Assaulted

  1. Know that the assault is not your fault and you don’t have to go through this alone.
  2. Find a safe environment away from your attacker. Ask a trusted friend to stay with you.
  3. Report the assault to the police. A counselor can help you through the process.
  4. Preserve evidence of the attack. Do not bathe or wash what you were wearing. If you put your clothes in a bag, be sure it is paper.
  5. Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673). The hotline provides support 24/7 from your local rape crisis center.
  6. Seek medical attention. You may not be injured, but it’s still important to test for STDs and pregnancy. Ask the hospital to conduct a rape exam and let them know if you think that you have been drugged.

How To Help A Loved One Who Has Been Sexually Assaulted

  1. Believe your friend or family member. Don’t judge or question the victim’s choices.
  2. Expect a range of emotions, including lack of emotion and shock.
  3. Be patient. Allow your loved one to move through the recovery process at his/her own pace.
  4. Encourage him/her to call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673), but realize that only he/she can make the decision to get help.
  5. Do not be a bystander. Get involved if you see someone at risk. You might save a loved one from becoming a victim of sexual assault.