Sexual assault awareness activities set

VW independent/submitted information

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and area organizations are planning awareness activities. This year’s campaign focuses on ways that individuals, communities, and the private sector can help prevent sexual violence.

Nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men are victims of sexual assault (source: Black, et al., 2011), but everyone is impacted by sexual violence. People understand that sexual violence impacts victims and their families, but the effects of this violent crime on communities and society are less obvious.

Sexual violence creates a climate of fear, anger, and/or disbelief in the workplaces, campuses, and communities that it occurs in. Additionally, sexual violence generates criminal justice, medical, and crisis and mental health service expenses. Perhaps most damaging are the lost contributions of survivors.

Preventing such a far-reaching and prevalent social issue as sexual violence may seem overwhelming or even impossible. This mentality implies that there isn’t a solution — or if there is, people can’t achieve it. But people can, and they are.

There are many practical steps that are currently being taken in American homes, neighborhoods, schools, faith communities, and workplaces. But there are many more things people can do to promote safety, respect, and accountability.

Prevention starts with challenging victim-blaming and believing survivors when they disclose sexual abuse. Individuals can model supportive relationships and behaviors, call out harmful attitudes, and challenge the societal acceptance of rape. Communities and businesses can take action to implement policies that promote safety, respect, and equality.

The YWCA will be collaborating with Wright State University-Lake Campus on Wednesday, April 6, to bring awareness to college students, staff, and community members about the issues surrounding sexual assault, as well as preventative measures to help decrease incidents in area communities.

There will be a screening of the highly publicized documentary The Hunting Grounds in the Lake Campus’ Dwyer Hall, Room 177, at 3 p.m. on April 6, followed by a discussion panel with sexual assault experts from a number of different fields. The YWCA will also be collaborating with Van Wert County Hospital to bring awareness to the hospital staff.

As this year’s slogan declares, “Prevention is Possible!” Join the YW in helping people see their role in preventing sexual violence. For more information on sexual violence, go to www.nsvrc.org/saam, or call Jody Wannemacher, YWCA outreach coordinator, at 419.238.6639, extension 109.

The YWCA is a United Way and Van Wert County Foundation funded agency.