What if Someone Confides in Me?
by Teresia Smith
Each year we set aside the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, as a time to share information with as many as possible. We give out statistics and share stories from survivors. We offer events to raise awareness that sexual assault is happening in every community. We raise money to help provide services and we hand out brochures offering resources. All these things are great, but sexual assault happens all year long and we need to continue to have conversations to make sure everyone is comfortable knowing what to say or do if they suspect abuse or someone discloses sexual assault. I want to share simple, basic information that’s easy to remember.
I am often asked how to identify a sexual assault victim. It’s not always easy and signs vary by age group. There may or may not be physical signs of abuse so we need to consider behaviors also.