***Trigger Warning: We’re going to be talking about Sexual Assault (SA).
As sad as it is, sexual assault is a very real problem around the World. I want to start this by encouraging anyone who feels like they may have been a victim of sexual assault to speak to proper authorities and file a report. That being said, I know that many victims do not feel comfortable or safe reporting their abuse. Whatever your feelings are, they are valid.
Here are some statistics about sexual assault:
- Every 73 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted (https://www.rainn.org/statistics)
- Every 9 minutes, that victim is a child (https://www.rainn.org/statistics)
- Nearly 1 in 5 women (18.3%) have been raped or have been attempted to be raped at some point in their lifetime (https://www.nsvrc.org/statistics)
- More than half (51.1%) of female victims of rape reported being raped by an intimate partner (https://www.nsvrc.org/statistics)
- Most perpetrators of SA will not face legal punishment
The #MeToo movement has been sweeping the World by storm. It is absolutely amazing to see people (not just women) being empowered to speak out about their own experiences with SA. Seeing cases of SA (ex. Harvey Weinstein) getting more coverage and resulting in punishment brings a great deal of hope to victims and also brings some more comfort to them in choosing to come forward with their own stories. I am very grateful to see people shedding more light on the often unspoken subject of this abuse. I fully hope that this issue will not fall silent again.
Sexual Assault is a Trauma
Just like any other type of abuse, SA is traumatizing to the victim. So, with that being said, victim blaming is NOT FUCKING IT. Victim blaming, shaming or hating is absolutely a dick move. There is absolutely no reason to further traumatize an already traumatized human being. If someone feels safe enough to come to you about such a vulnerable topic, be there for them the way you hope someone would be there for you or your sister or your daughter.
To any Victims of SA:
Please do not feel like you need to rationalize whatever you experienced. Sexual assault is not a rational act. It does not matter if you knew the person, what you were wearing, if you were intoxicated, or whatever else you may try to tell yourself to somehow justify why this happened.
Everyday we are shaping society for the next generations to come. What we permit, we promote. Be an advocate for those who need one, and be the change we wish to see in the world. Do not let a cry for help fall on deaf ears.
Brittany Coates 