Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Editor:
During these unprecedented times, we are following orders to stay at home.
But what if home is not safe?
National statistics show one in five women and one in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives. And one in three women and one in six men have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. For our children, one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18 years old.
April is recognized nationally as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and this year the focus and attention paid to this important topic is even more important, given the unique situation many individuals may find themselves in.
Despite the shutdown of so many elements in our society, services to survivors continue 24 hours a day, seven days a week with programs like COMPASS (Sexual Assault Education, Prevention & Support), an affiliate of Goodwill Industries, serving Stark, Tuscarawas and Carroll counties.
Even if you have never personally been affected, there are steps we all can take to make a difference. Our words and actions shape the world around us. Whether you are speaking out against “locker room talk” or helping someone better understand these issues, your voice is powerful and necessary in preventing sexual violence.
Beyond April, COMPASS continues to advocate for survivors, educate youth on prevention strategies and champion culture change. COMPASS provides free services such as support at the hospital after an assault, access to a 24-hour crisis line, counseling, support groups and advocacy during legal proceedings to anyone impacted by sexual violence.
We can all help promote attitudes that promote safe and secure relationships, equality, and respect, not only during April, but also each and every day.
Molly MacMath
Executive director at COMPASS