April Is For Speaking Out

The statistics tell us 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted before they turn 18 years old. I am one of those girls. Sexual assault and abuse is a serious epidemic, in this country, and all over the world.

The most important thing you can do in April is speak out.
Tell your stories - write about it on your blog, speak about it at a church or community event, share your story with friends. (If you are want to share your story in a safe, anonymous way, you can submit it to Band Back Together.)

Share blog posts and articles where other people are telling their stories. Share prevention and awareness materials.

Change your picture on facebook. Tweet.

Talk to your kids and teens about sexual assault and abuse.

Sexual Assault Awareness
In the 1980's, April was selected as the month for Sexual Assault Awareness Week. In 2001, teal became the official color for sexual assault awareness, and the first Sexual Assault Awareness Month was observed nationally.

Get Involved In Sexual Assault Awareness:

• The 2013 campaign from the NSVRC is focused healthy sexuality and its connection to childhood sexual abuse prevention. They have resources for parents, educators, and advocates that can be found on their site. 
• #TweetAboutIt Twitter Chats will be happening each Tuesday afternoon in April at 2pm EST.
• You can also use the #SAAM hashtag throughout the month.
• Check out the National Sexual Violence Resource Center Calendar list of events.
• Support RAINN, and the sexual assault hotline.
• Wear denim on April 24th for Denim Day.

Child Abuse Prevention
In 1983, April was the proclaimed the first official Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Blue Ribbon Campaign began in 1989.

Get Involved In Child Abuse Prevention:

• The Child Welfare Information Gateway has resources and information packets for people who want to get involved in child abuse prevention. They will also help you find groups in your local area. (this link has a lot of great information)
• Get your Stewards of Children training.
• Join the Pinwheels for Prevention movement with a blue pinwheel.
• Submit a blog post to the  Blog Against Child Abuse.
• Support Child Help and the child abuse hotline.
• Million March Against Child Abuse - the facebook page has a list of participating cities.

It is important to remember that not all child abuse is sexual, and not all child abuse is violent.

What is happening in your area?
Please leave links or info in the comments about anything you are participating in for sexual assault awareness or child abuse prevention this month. I will be updating this post throughout the month.

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If you have been the victim of sexual assault and need help, or you want to help a loved one, you can contact RAINN or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.

If you suspect that a child is being abused, or if you are a child or teen who is being abused, you can contact Child Help or call the National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD.

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