Love shouldn’t hurt

Love Shouldn't Hurt - Ever

Wednesday, 09 April 2025 09:34

You Can Make a Difference
by Teresia Smith

Sexual assault is generally a difficult subject for many people to talk or even think about. However, using statistics from the Department of Justice, it is a reality for the 433,000+ people who are sexually assaulted in the United States each year. As we recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, we strive to raise awareness of sexual assault in the U.S., so that people not only begin to think about sexual assault and its implications, but start doing something about it, as well. And guess what – You have the power to make a difference. Here are some ways you can help raise sexual assault awareness, support victims, and make a difference in your community.
1- Educate yourself about sexual assault
What is it? Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual contact that a person is coerced or forced to participate in against their will. According to the results from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey released in 2014, nearly one in five women has experienced rape or an attempted rape in her lifetime. And studies show that one in six men experiences some form of unwanted or abusive sexual experience in his lifetime, as well. And the effects don’t stop at the time of assault. People who experience sexual assault are more likely to experience posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, drug and alcohol addictions, problems with intimate relationships, and difficulty at school and/or work. When you are educated about sexual violence, you can help raise awareness. Two of the leading organizations that provide information on sexual violence are www.rainn.org and www.nsvrc.org. Both offer resources, sponsor trainings and offer online support.

2- Volunteer
There are many ways you can personally get involved in the fight to raise awareness and prevent sexual violence in your local community. Jackson County has a satellite office of Crisis Services of North Alabama, where we offer services for sexual assault and intimate partner violence victims such as crisis counseling, court advocacy, support groups, and compassionate listening. You could volunteer for a variety of things such as hosting fundraising and awareness events, collecting toiletries for survivors, distributing materials across the county and working with the Jackson County Coalition Against Domestic Violence to promote education and awareness.

3- Learn how to support those who experience sexual assault Often, when someone experiences a tragedy, we don’t know what to say or do. It can be difficult to know how to reach out and support a loved one who has experienced sexual assault. The best thing you can do is to just be present and supportive. Listen to them with compassion. You don’t have to say anything or offer any advice. Your reaction can have a huge impact on their recovery. Don’t ask questions and don’t push them to take any action for which they aren’t ready. The most important thing you can say to a sexual abuse survivor is “I believe you”.

4- Know your local resources
Educate yourself on local resources where you can refer someone who has experienced sexual assault. Most communities have crisis centers who offer services. In Jackson County, Crisis Services of North Alabama has an office where they offer free and confidential services to victims of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. We also offer a 24/7 HELPline where you can speak with a trained crisis counselor anytime.
You can make a difference. Together we can create a ripple effect of positive change for those who are suffering and those who have been victimized by the trauma of sexual assault. And if you are a victim, reach out. Crisis Services of North Alabama Jackson County office can be reached at 256.574.5826 for an appointment. And you can call HELPline at 256.716.1000. You are not alone.