April 2023

“We must send a message across the world that there is no disgrace in being a survivor of sexual violence – the shame is on the aggressor." Angelina Jolie

Nearly every minute, an American is sexually assaulted. Every 9 minutes, the victim is a child.

April is national Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the 2023 theme is Drawing Connections – Prevention Demands Equity. First “officially” recognized as a national observation in 2001, there has been activism around the issue of sexual assault for decades.

Sexual assault is defined as any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient. In the case of minors, any sexual contact between an adult and a minor, or between 2 minors with a significant age difference, is considered sexual assault. This includes touching, coercing, forcing sexual contact up to and including rape.

Chrysalis teaches our high school GirlPower mentors to work with younger Chrysalis After-School program participants to understand healthy vs unhealthy relationships. Amaze.org provides tools for parents and educators to communicate medically accurate and age appropriate information to support young people. Here is one example: What is Sexual Assault?

Here are a few suggestions for more reading:

Office on Women's Health/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Every woman has the right to live her life safely and free of violence. Yet one in four women in the United States experiences intimate partner violence, including domestic abuse, verbal and emotional abuse, and stalking. Women experience violence in many ways, from physical abuse to sexual assault and from financial abuse to sexual harassment or human trafficking. Whatever form it takes, violence against women can have serious long-term physical and emotional effects. If you’ve experienced violence or abuse, it is never your fault, and you can get help.

Statistics from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center

Sexual harassment and assault are widespread problems that cause pain, limit people’s lives, and impact communities and society. Not only is it necessary to understand the scope of this issue, but it is imperative for people from all walks of life to work on both short-term and long-term concerted and coordinated efforts to prevent sexual harassment and assault.

Laws in the State of Iowa

How does the state of Iowa define sexual assault crimes? What factors determine legal consent in Iowa? What are you required to do if you suspect a child or elderly person is being sexually abused? What is Iowa's statute of limitations for a sexual crime? Does Iowa require people arrested or convicted of sex crimes to provide a DNA sample? Find out the details of your state’s laws.

Read more here: Laws in the State of Iowa

What is a Girl Worth?

Rachael Denhollander is an attorney, author, advocate, and educator who is recognized as a leading voice on the topic of sexual abuse. Her grasp of legal issues, corporate ethics, effective leadership strategies, and investigative practices are coupled with a trauma-informed, deeply compassionate understanding of the realities facing survivors of sexual abuse and their path toward healing. Bridging the gap between survivors and the society and institutions that may have failed them, Denhollander asks the question, “What is a girl or boy worth?” Her answer, “Everything.”

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SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2023 INSPIRED EVENT! Rachael Denhollander gained international recognition in 2016 as the first woman to speak publicly against USA Gymnastics’ team physician, Dr. Larry Nassar, one of the most prolific sexual abusers in recorded history. As a result of her disclosure, more than 300 women came forward with reports of Nassar’s abuse, triggering his conviction and life sentence for his crimes. Join us to hear her story on Tuesday, October 31, and learn how her strength and resolve inspired hundreds of others to end their silence. https://www.chrysalisfdn.org/inspired-event/

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