April: Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Date: April 3, 2015
Subject: Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year’s nationwide campaign is dedicated to healthy sexuality and our countries young adults.

Rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment impact our communities. Statistics show that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will experience some form of sexual assault in their lifetime. The statistics don’t stop with adults. Children and teenagers are also impacted by rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment. 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted before their 18th birthday. (Statistics provided by the Bureau of Justice)

We can all become more educated in sexual assault awareness and prevention by knowing the different types of sexual assault. Some examples include:

Rape or attempted rape (sexual intercourse against a person’s will)
Marital rape (rape within a marriage)
Unwanted sexual touching or unwanted sexual coercion
Stalking
Sexual harassment

It is also important to know your local resources to provide further information to you or someone you know that has been a victim of sexual assault and abuse. The Mono County Sheriff’s Office is available to help anyone report a case involving sexual assault and abuse. Wild Iris, located in Mammoth and Bishop, is another agency available to provide information and services to victims of sexual assault and abuse.

We can all work together to educate our communities about sexual assault awareness and prevention. It’s time to take appropriate action and support each other to create a safe environment for one another. Join the Mono County Sheriff’s Office in recognition and support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. - Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer