Dear SARA Friends,
April is not only a month when we once again see life blooming around us, it is also a month we dedicate to Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention. Here are five ways that you can help support survivors and prevent sexual violence.
Recognize that no one asks for or deserves to be harassed, abused, assaulted, or raped. Ever.
Believe survivors. As many as 64% of survivors who told someone what happened reported that they felt unheard.
Challenge victim blaming statements. Challenge why we question the behaviors of survivors more often than we blame the behaviors of perpetrators.
Learn how to intervene. Bystander intervention helps to stop sexual harassment and other dangerous and abusive behaviors.
Know that consent is mandatory. Only “yes” means yes!
If you are looking for more ways to be involved or for more resources for learning, reach out to us on our 24-hour hotline, 434-977-7273. As always, I am eager to hear from you. You can reach me at director@saracville.org
Renee Branson