April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising public awareness about sexual violence. This month serves as a chance to have discussions and act toward creating a safer and more supportive society for survivors.
Professional behavioral health counselor Natasha West shares her perspective of the importance of this month, while also educating individuals on how to support survivors and respecting people’s space.
“What I believe is that people need to know what their boundaries are and be confident and say what they feel comfortable with and being OK with it,” West said.
Misconceptions and lack of understanding among males and females regarding consent and boundaries in intimate situations need to be one of many conversations. Not knowing boundaries can lead to the violation of a person’s consent and perpetuate harmful attitudes.
“The sexual assault is never the victim’s fault,” said Detroit police victim assistance head social worker Felicia Jenkins.
By normalizing the discussions of sexual assault, the public can bring awareness to the prevalence of it and work towards preventing it.
“Just make it [discussions for prevention] a common thing, no stigma attached to it. It should be a common everyday thing, not a monthly thing,” West said.
It is important to take immediate action and seek guidance in the event of assault. It is also vital to confide in an adult or support system.
“The first thing that I would do is to provide directives to cover the safety and well-being aspects of the assault,” West said. “The teen should confide in an adult that can be a sound board and help facilitate the following directives: Go to the emergency department or a sexual assault nurses examiner for a forensic examination. A forensic exam or rape kit collects evidence for prosecution of the sexual assault offender. It also rules out any other medical issues that may have occurred during the sexual assault, provide medical treatment, STD screenings, prevention, and follow up care.”
RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) is a program that provides support and resources to survivors of sexual assault. This program aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for sexual assault survivors to seek help and begin their healing process.
Sexual assault victims in Detroit, can call RAINN (1800-656-4673) and the organization will connect the individual to the Detroit Police Department Victim Assistance Unit or any other
