Honoring the 20th Anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month

In this episode Astrid Ferguson and Alexandra Hodge discuss the topic most of us avoid, sexual assault. This year marks the 20th anniversary of sexual assault awareness month. Yes, it has only been 20 years since this topic has been publicly discussed.

The Violence Against Women's Act was signed in 1994 and it was a movement primarily pushed by women of color. Prior to this act, sexualt assualt and domestic abuse against women was not considered a crime. That is why we share in this episode the importance of knowing what is considered sexual assault, what is consent and how to have the sensitive conversation.

The most common question that is always asked to survivors is what were they doing. Have you ever wondered what survivors were doing prior to being sexually assaulted? If you have, see the statistics below so survivors are no longer asked this question when they are trying to articulate the details of sexual assault. 

• 48% were sleeping, or performing another activity at home
• 29% were traveling to and from work or school, or traveling to shop or run errands
• 12% were working
• 7% were attending school
• 5% were doing an unknown or other activity

We know! It's crazy! So listen to all the information shared from RAINN and Marshall University. If you think you have been sexually assaulted and want more information please click on the links below that we used to provide you with as much detailed information as possible.

Reference: https://www.rainn.org/statistics/scope-problem
Discuss Consent and what consent looks like (different statutes of limitations in different states) Keep in mind you can always change your mind your partner must be able to be ok with that.

After effects of sexual assault https://www.rainn.org/effects-sexual-violence

Resources:
Natonal Sexual Violence Resource Center: https://www.nsvrc.org/saam (they talk about creating safe spaces online as well)
Sexual Assault hotline: https://www.rainn.org/resources

Types of Sexual Assault Resource
https://www.marshall.edu/wcenter/sexual-assault/types-of-sexual-assault/

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