To the editor:

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. SAAM, as it is called, was established to call attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts all of us. SAAM aims to raise public awareness about sexual abuse, harassment, and sexual assault. It also aims to educate communities about how to be involved in prevention.

This year’s theme, “Building Connected Communities,” encourages each of us to work together to prevent sexual abuse, harassment and assault. When anyone experiences sexual violence, every community member is affected. Protecting our community against sexual assault involves respect, connectivity, inclusiveness.

Statistics show that over 53% of women and over 29% of men reported experiencing sexual violence in their lifetime.

Most women and men across all sexual identities who experienced sexual violence reported that the person who harmed them was someone they knew.

More than 1 in 4 non-Hispanic Black women (29%) in the US were raped in their lifetime.

1 in 3 Hispanic women (34.8%) reported unwanted sexual contact in their lifetime.

More than 4 in 5 American Indian and Alaska Native women h(84.3%) have experienced violence in their lifetime.

32.9% of adults with intellectual disabilities have experienced sexual violence.

47% of all transgender people have been sexually assaulted at some point in their lives.

Communities can reduce the incidence of sexual violence by making sure their communities respect people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, races and ethnic backgrounds, ages, faith, and abilities. Even though we are different, we can respect our neighbors both near and far. As The Golden Rule reminds us: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you (Matthew 7:12a). Adopting the principle found in The Golden Rule will help us take care of one another and make decisions to ensure the safety and well-being of others. We can end sexual violence by respecting others.

If you have been a victim of sexual violence, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 for information, referral, or a listening ear. Or call the Christina House DV Program at 330-420-0036 for local services.

Nickie Ostick,

Outreach Liaison,

The Christina House DV Program,

Lisbon