Every 73 Seconds Sexual Assault Occurs
Since it’s sexual assault awareness month, we must protect our babies from the ugly monster of sexual abuse. When factoring in that an act of sexual assault occurs at an alarming rate of every 73 seconds, according to RAINN, this country has a mental health crisis on its hands. Brave Step recently launched its new program called Changemaker. The Changemaker program gives participants the tools they need to support one another and help prevent future sexual violence. This program was created for survivors, loved ones, employers, community leaders and policy educators, Changemakers will access carefully vetted and trusted resources, receive goal setting support, participate in training sessions, and gain the education they need to take steps toward action. Do you need help? Are you struggling?
Look at these alarming rates:
• One in four women and one in six men are sexually abused by the age of 18.
• The CDC estimates that 42 million adult survivors of sexual abuse live in the United States.
• An estimated 32.3% of multiracial women, 27.5% of American Indian/Alaska Native women, 21.2% of non-Hispanic black women, 20.5% of non-Hispanic white women, and 13.6% of Hispanic women were raped during their lifetimes (Black et al., 2011).
• Nearly 3 out of 4 adolescents (74%) who have been sexually assaulted were victimized by someone they knew well. One-fifth (21.1%) were committed by a family member (Kilpatrick, Saunders, & Smith, 2003).
• In 2005-10, about 55% of rape or sexual assault victimizations occurred at or near the victim’s home, and another 12% occurred at or near the home of a friend, relative, or acquaintance.
Studies show that survivors often experience:
Suicide
Drug use
PTSD
Alcoholism
Relationship problems
Self injury
Depression
Promiscuity
Unhealthy sexual relationships
Inability to educate or act as a role model for children
Flashbacks
Repressed memories
Communication issues
Struggles with authority
Abusing others
