Dear friends of CCS,
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and everyone can do their part to help survivors and prevent sexual assault by starting conversations.
A sexual assault happens every 68 seconds in the United States, so it is likely that you know someone who has witnessed an assault or been assaulted. Sexual Assault Awareness Month creates a safe space for loved ones, friends, and coworkers to reach out and know they are not alone.
We can work together to prevent violence by starting conversations and helping to shift blame away from survivors:
- Ask for consent in everyday interactions and respect when someone says no.
- Teach children they are allowed to say no.
- Engage teens in safety conversations and teach them to stand up for others when they witness warning signs for sexual violence.
- Talk to your friends and family about healthy relationships.
- Challenge comments that place blame on the victim.
- Believe survivors when they share their experiences and tell them they did not deserve the abuse.
Thank you for helping us make a difference by starting these critical conversations that support survivors and prevent assault.
Verna Griffin-Tabor
CEO | Center for Community Solutions
