Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Medically reviewed by Sophia Yen, MD, MPH – Written by Pandia Health Editorial Team

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (#SAAPM) and we wanted to bring your attention to a few resources which highlight this issue.

1. Believe and support survivors – Thank them for sharing their stories.
2. Respond to victim-blaming, rape jokes, or other problematic comments:
   1. “Sexual assault is never the survivor’s fault.”
   2. Refocus accountability on the individual(s) who committed sexual abuse.
3. Share resources like
   1. Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), 1-800-656-HOPE 24/7. And they also have a chat feature. This is a comprehensive list of resources from general, domestic, intimate partner, incest, talking, disabilities, college, male survivors, LGBTQ, etc.
   2. National Center for Victims of Crime Victim Service Helpline, 1-800-FYI-CALL or 1-800-211-7996 (TTY/TDD)
   3. Know Your IX – includes info for survivors (surviving the abusive relationship, seeking medical care, building a network of support, experiencing discrimination as a survivor, dealing with unsupportive friends/family) and for friends/family
   4. http://www.crisistextline.org – Text HOME to 741741 where volunteer run the program 24/7
   5. End Rape On Campus – educational and advocacy resource to address rape on campus
4. Donate or Fundraise for organizations which defend women’s rights
5. Know and share information about emergency contraception which we will write about later this week.

The above information is for general informational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor/primary care provider before starting or changing treatment.