April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and here are some crucial things survivors would want you to know

It Can Happen to Anyone

Sexual assault can happen to anyone of any age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, class, etc. Simply because it has not happened to you does not mean that it doesn’t happen overall. Not only that but sexual assault is not just limited to rape, but also any type of unwanted sexual act of touching.

Sexual Assualt in Relationships

Sexual assault can still and very much does happen within relationships as well. According to the CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Equal Violence Survey, More than 1 in 3 women (35.6%) and more than 1 in 4 men (28.5%) in the United States have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.” The assault can be done by the people that we trust the most.

Victim Blaming

One thing that is for curtains is that it is never the victim’s fault. No matter how much they drank or what they wore no matter the circumstances it is still not their fault. The only one to blame is the perpetrator. If it is not a solid yes the first time, it is a no.

When the assaults do happen a common thing people will ask victims is why they did not fight back, but the thing is freezing is a reaction that is common to have. It is a part of our sympathetic nervous system when it comes to responses like fight or flight. Many forget there is also the involuntary action of freezing as a survival response. Sexual assault can have last effects on a person and simply saying to “get over it” is not something that can be done.

Trauma Differs For Everyone

With that, everyone’s experience is different and how it affects a person will be different as well. Trauma is very personal and it is wrong to assume what survivors may be going through or to project how they should feel. Sexual assault experience can impact a person can change their outlook on life and the world as a whole. The journey of healing can be hard and painful. It is best to offer support and comfort in these situations.

This a reminder that even though April is Sexual Assault Awareness month that these events can happen at any given time and to continue to circle the awareness year-round.