Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year’s theme is “Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity.” The mission of this month is to raise awareness about sexual violence that occurs around the world, to help educate people on ways to prevent it, and to address racial equity in the ways we respond to and support survivors.
Nearly 1 in 5 women in the United States have experienced rape and only 5 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will go to prison. You would think those who are sexually assaulted are assaulted by strangers; however, the majority of the time it is someone that they know and it typically happens at or near the victim’s home.
Consent is important. This is clear permission to engage in sexual activity, given knowingly and voluntarily, by words or actions.
- Written By:
- Shanise Allen and Diksha Chottani | Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion
- Sponsored by:
- Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion
The color for Sexual Awareness Month is teal. This color was established in 2000 when sexual violence coalitions across the country voted for teal as the official color. The color teal is normally associated with trust, devotion, and healing. So, make sure to bring awareness to sexual assault this month by wearing teal.
Sexual Violence on campus
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN):
Women Ages 18-24 are at an elevated risk of sexual violence
- Female college-aged students are 20% more likely than non-students of the same age to be a victim of sexual assault.
- Sexual violence is more prevalent on campus compared to other crimes.
- College-aged victims are less likely to report to law enforcement.
- Campus law enforcement plays a significant role in addressing and responding to college sexual assault.
UNA Resources
If you or someone you know has experienced a sexual assault, the Office of Title IX is able to help. If you have been sexually assaulted and you are not ready to make a report, you can discuss it with one of the UNA’s confidential resources below:
- Student Counseling Services 256-765-5215
- University Health Services 256-765-4328
- Center for Women’s Studies & Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion 256-765-5185
- University Case Manager 256-765-4531
- North Alabama Crisis Center 256-716-1000
- One Place of the Shoals 256-284-7600
- Safe Place 256-767-3076
- Safe Place Helpline 24/7 (256) 767-6210 or 1-800-550-9215
- THRIVE Alabama 256-764-0492
National Resources
- RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
- National Sexual Violent Resource Center
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Our Message to Survivors
We believe you. Whether you have shared your story or not, you are strong, resilient, and valuable. We are so deeply sorry that you have experienced violence. There are a variety of emotions that can affect survivors including shame or guilt. We want you to remember, this was never your fault. We wish you healing and peace. You are not alone, we are here for you if you need anything.
Take Back the Night
In the past, the Center for Women’s Studies has taken part in Take Back the Night, which is an annual night of empowerment for students that promotes awareness of sexual and domestic violence.
This year we are partnering with the Student Rec Center to Take Back the Night with “Shine Your Light'' Yoga on the band practice field.
We hope that you can join us for this collective time to hold space for survivors and create a safe place of healing through restorative yoga.