Spring is a time to rejuvenate as warmer weather, blooming flowers, and hope is in the air. Not only does April help commence the start of spring, but it also brings Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). This annual campaign is dedicated to raising public awareness, fostering the prevention of sexual violence, and supporting survivors. Every 68 seconds in the United States, a perpetrator sexually assaults someone. This horrifying reality demonstrates the importance of recognizing SAAM and exploring ways individuals can actively participate in creating social change.
Firstly, education is key. Take the time to learn about the realities of sexual assault, including its causes, consequences, and impact on survivors. Organizations like RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) offer resources and information to increase understanding and empathy. Learning about consent is also vital: https://www.rainn.org/articles/what-is-consent
Another important thing to note is that sexual assault affects people of diverse backgrounds, including all genders, sexual orientations, ages, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and abilities. It is critical to address intersecting forms of oppression and discrimination that may increase vulnerability to sexual assault. For example, individuals who belong to marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, immigrants, or people with disabilities, may face heightened risks of sexual violence due to systemic inequalities and power imbalances
Thus, HAVEN is here for ALL survivors.
What does that mean though?
HAVEN’s mission is to prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking, and to support and empower all women, men, non-binary and transgender adults, youth, and families to heal from abuse and rebuild their lives. Meaning, no matter your race, gender, religious beliefs, age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or education (okay we think you get the picture), we’re here to support and empower. “ALL survivors” also includes secondary survivors.
What are secondary survivors?
A secondary survivor is a friend, family member, coworker, roommate, or partner of someone who has experienced sexual assault. Sexual assault can be traumatizing for friends and family supporting the primary survivor as well and the ripple effect of sexual assault can be significant. That’s why HAVEN is here for all who are impacted. You can learn more about secondary survivors by reading one of our previous blogs: https://havennh.org/secondary-survivors-deserve-support/
How can I support survivors of sexual assault?
Sexual Assault Awareness Month provides an opportunity to amplify survivor voices and validate their experiences. This can be done through listening without judgment, believing survivors, and providing them with resources and support networks.
It’s not always easy to know what to say when someone tells you they’ve been sexually assaulted, especially if they are a friend or family member. For a survivor, disclosing to someone they care about can be very difficult, so we encourage you to be as supportive and non-judgmental as possible.
Here are some helpful phrases suggested by RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline staff as well as HAVEN’s staff on being supportive through a survivor’s healing process.
“I believe you. / It took a lot of courage to tell me about this.” It can be extremely difficult for survivors to come forward and share their story. They may feel ashamed, concerned that they won’t be believed, or worried they’ll be blamed. Leave any “why” questions or investigations to the experts—your job is to support this person. Be careful not to interpret calmness as a sign that the event did not occur—everyone responds to traumatic events differently. The best thing you can do is to believe them.
“It’s not your fault. / You didn’t do anything to deserve this.” Survivors may blame themselves, especially if they know the perpetrator (which statistically speaking they likely do). Remind the survivor, maybe even more than once, that they are not to blame.
“You are not alone. / I care about you and am here to listen or help in any way I can.” Let the survivor know that you are there for them and willing to listen to their story if they are comfortable sharing it. Assess if there are people in their lives they feel comfortable going to, and remind them that there are service providers who will be able to support them as they heal from the experience.
“I’m sorry this happened. / This shouldn’t have happened to you.” Acknowledge that the experience has affected their life. Phrases like “This must be really tough for you,” and, “I’m so glad you are sharing this with me,” help to communicate empathy.
Remember though, when supporting a loved one whose been impacted by sexual assault, HAVEN is here for secondary survivors as well, so don’t hesitate to call the 24-hour hotline at 603.994.SAFE (7233).
One of the survivors’ biggest barriers can be not knowing what resources are available.
What resources does HAVEN offer?
HAVEN provides 24-7, free, confidential support through its hotline at 603.994.SAFE (7233). When calling the support line, you can expect to receive a trained HAVEN advocate, ready to listen and provide options for your situation and journey. HAVEN follows the empowerment model, which means we will never tell you what you should or shouldn’t do. Instead, we will offer a range of options and resources and help educate clients to make the best decision for themselves. Whether you are looking for just a listening ear, or perhaps need crisis intervention, HAVEN has you covered.
HAVEN will provide in-person support to clients at:
- Hospital emergency rooms: Advocates can assist survivors of sexual assault by explaining their options related to sexual assault forensic exams. Clients can make informed choices and HAVEN advocates can support them through the process.
- Police departments: We can assist a survivor if they would like to file a police report.
- Courts: Advocates can assist survivors of sexual assault, stalking or domestic abuse, if they would like to get a restraining order against their perpetrator. We can assist you with the process and attend the hearing with you.
Other HAVEN support services include:
- Safety planning: exploring options that may help reduce the risk of future harm.
- Support Groups to reduce isolation, rebuild trust, and gain emotional support with other survivors.
- Referrals to other community resources.
- Online chat available Mon-Fri 9-4 via havennh.org
- Emergency shelter: Our short-term emergency shelter helps to provide individuals and their children with a safe and supportive environment to heal from abuse and to rebuild their lives.
- Housing program: HAVEN also may be able to assist those impacted by domestic violence or sexual assault with housing options. Leaving an abusive situation is one of the most difficult decisions our clients face. For many, it means having to decide to stay in an unsafe situation or leave with nowhere to go. Nobody should have to choose between remaining in an unsafe home and having no home at all.
HAVEN’s main priority is to empower, support, and educate those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. Clients will never have to feel alone throughout their process.
To learn more about the services and programs provided by HAVEN, visit the website at www.havennh.org or call our support line at 603.994.SAFE (7233).
How else can I support and honor Sexual Assault Awareness this month?
Help spread awareness and advocate for change. Starting the conversation to bring awareness to this issue is always a great place to begin. Sharing content on social media that HAVEN creates or other supportive groups such as RAINN, NSVRC, and other groups allows them to further their reach. Sexual assault is a societal issue that requires systemic change to effectively address and prevent it. Get involved in advocacy efforts by supporting policies and legislation that prioritize survivor rights, consent education, and comprehensive support services. Use your voice to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate rape culture, and promote a culture of respect, consent, and accountability.
Additionally, participating in survivor-led initiatives and fundraisers can help raise awareness and funds for organizations like HAVEN that provide crucial services to survivors. You can support HAVEN in a variety of ways to strengthen its mission of ending violence and changing lives. Making an online donation, donating gift cards, or becoming a volunteer are all small acts that make a BIG difference.
Importantly, prioritize self-care. Engaging with the topic of sexual assault can be emotionally taxing, especially for survivors and those with personal connections to the issue. It’s important to prioritize self-care and set boundaries when needed. Take breaks from consuming triggering content, practice self-compassion, and seek support from trusted friends, family, or mental health professionals if necessary.
In summary, Sexual Assault Awareness Month provides an opportunity for individuals to actively engage in meaningful ways to honor and support survivors, educate themselves and others, advocate for change, and prioritize self-care. By coming together as a community to address this critical issue, we can work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.
RAINN. (2023). Tips for Talking with Survivors of Sexual Assault. Retrieved from
https://www.rainn.org/articles/tips-talking-survivors-sexual-assault
