Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April highlights ongoing advocacy and prevention efforts, drawing attention to how widespread and far-reaching sexual violence is within our communities. Sexual assault is any act of sexual activity or contact without consent that can happen through physical force or threats of force, including rape and sexual coercion. Here are some alarming statistics:
- Every 68 seconds , an individual in America is sexually assaulted.
- Over half of women and almost one in three men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes. One in four women and about one in 26 men have experienced completed or attempted rape.
- More than 4 in 5 American Indian and Alaska Native women (84.3 percent) have experienced violence in their lifetime, and 56.1 percent accounts for those who have experienced sexual violence.
- American Indian and Alaska Native women are 1.2 times as likely as non-Hispanic white-only women to experience violence in their lifetime and 1.7 times as likely to have experienced violence in the past year.
- The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey reported that 47 percent of transgender people are sexually assaulted at some point in their lifetime. Sixty-five percent of the American Indian LGBTQ+ community reported to most likely have been sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
Statistics alone do not capture the actual depth of individual and familial historical trauma and oppression, including violence, experienced by tribal communities.
Sexual assault awareness and prevention allow for the opportunities to develop concrete solutions and build a chance to understand the structural inequities that impact health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines the prevention of sexual violence that is inclusive of creating champions or allies to promote and protect against violence; teaching and promoting healthy dating lifestyles; empowering and supporting individuals to strengthen economic well-being; creating protective environments; and providing resources that are patient-centered and trauma-informed for all individuals. Collective efforts forge a path forward to prevention, and to help regain the health and wellness of our patients, their families, and communities affected by violence.
April 4, 2023, is recognized as the Day of Action, a day to focus awareness on sexual violence prevention by wearing teal, the color of sexual violence prevention, to show dedication and support for survivors of sexual assault. April 26, 2023, is also designated as Denim Day – Wear Jeans for a Purpose.
Here are two questions to help get you thinking about sexual assault awareness and prevention efforts, as well as additional resources to help raise awareness:
- What are your SAAM action plans and endeavors to support individuals who have experienced sexual assault and violence?
- Have you identified and implemented SAAM prevention measures in your community?
Resources:
- Indian Health Manual, Part 3, Chapter 29 Sexual Assault
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Fast Facts: Preventing Sexual Violence
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center - NSVRC SAAM
- Get Involved: #30DaysofSAAMChallenge - https://www.nsvrc.org/saam
- National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center – Sexual Violence Resource Center
- Stronghearts: Culturally-specific and confidential helpline for American Indians and Alaska Natives impacted by domestic, dating and sexual violence. Help, safety, and resources are available 24/7/365.
- Phone Number: 1-844-762-8483
- Stronghearts Helpline Website
- For providers:
- TA2TA – calendar with listings of training and educational opportunities
- Caring for the Sexually Assaulted Patient when There is No SANE in Sight – a free training for all healthcare providers, 2 CEs available
