April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month

This week, we highlight April as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sexual violence affects tens of millions of Americans and is too often underreported. As a result, women, men and children throughout our communities often don’t receive the support they need. By raising awareness and educating ourselves, our friends and our families, we hope to reduce the incidence of sexual violence and provide greater support to all who are affected by it.

President Obama, in his Presidential Proclamation of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, said: “During National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we recommit ourselves not only to lifting the veil of secrecy and shame surrounding sexual violence, but also to raising awareness, expanding support for victims, and strengthening our response…As we continue to confront this crime, let us reaffirm this month our dedication to take action in our communities and stop abuse before it starts. Together, we can increase awareness about sexual violence, decrease its frequency, punish offenders, help victims, and heal lives.”

Here at the Partnership Center, we are committed to promoting awareness about an issue that affects so many communities. As community leaders, you are well positioned to raise awareness and join the effort to prevent sexual assault. Below are a few helpful links that can be used as guides for promoting awareness and preventing abuse:

1. Violence Against Women
About Sexual Assault and Abuse
Sexual assault and abuse is any type of sexual activity that you do not agree to, including:

► inappropriate touching
► vaginal, anal, or oral penetration
► child molestation

Sexual assault can be verbal, visual, or anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention. Examples of this are voyeurism, exhibitionism, incest, and sexual harassment.

Rape is forced sexual intercourse, including vaginal, anal, or oral penetration. It is a common form of sexual assault and can be committed in many situations — on a date, by a friend or an acquaintance, or when you think you are alone. Educate yourself on "date rape" drugs. They can be slipped into a drink when a victim is not looking. Never leave your drink unattended — no matter where you are. Try to always be aware of your surroundings. Date rape drugs make a person unable to resist assault and have a type of memory loss so the victim doesn't know what happened.

Violence against women by anyone is always wrong, whether the abuser is someone you date; a current or past spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend; a family member; an acquaintance; or a stranger. You are not at fault. You did not cause the abuse to occur, and you are not responsible for the violent behavior of someone else. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, seek help from other family members and friends or community organizations. Reach out for support or counseling. Talk with a health care provider, especially if you have been physically hurt. Learn how to minimize your risk of becoming a victim of sexual assault or sexual abuse before you find yourself in an uncomfortable or threatening situation. And, learn about how to get help for sexual assault and abuse below. Another important part of getting help is knowing if you are in an abusive relationship. There are clear signs to help you know if you are being abused.

open here please, to see the full-text and related information:
http://www.womenshealth.gov/violence/types/sexual.cfm



2. National Mental Health Information Center
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/nctic/trauma.asp

Trauma – the “Common Denominator”
Prepared with Assistance from CMHS’s National Center for Trauma-Informed Care
http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/ken/pdf/NCTIC/The_Science_of_Trauma.pdf



3. Substance Abuse Treatment
TIP 51: Substance Abuse Treatment: Addressing the Specific Needs of Women:
A Treatment Improvement Protocol Tip 51
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=hssamhsatip&part=tip51