Imagine a Minnesota and a world free of sexual violence. It's time...

Imagine a Minnesota and a world free of sexual violence. It’s time...

Did you know that sexual violence costs 8 billion dollars every year in Minnesota? Even bigger though than the financial cost is the toll the that sexual violence takes on the human spirit. That cost is immeasurable.

Sexual violence, whether you are aware of it or not, affects every single person in our state. Minnesotans it’s time... to get involved. It’s time to end sexual violence.

Unfortunately the spectrum of sexual violence is broad. Inappropriate touching, incest, rape, forced prostitution, intimate partner rape, indecent exposure, dating/acquaintance rape, internet solicitations, stalking, and sexual harassment are just a few of the forms of sexual violence.

The aftermath of a single, unwanted touch is most often devastating and the effects can last a lifetime. Survivors may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, paranoia, anxiety, anger, nightmares, flashbacks, loss of trust, eating disorders, loss of control, feelings of hopelessness, alcohol and drug addictions, and reckless behavior- the list is long. But, there is hope! Sexual violence is 100% preventable.

April has been designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month  in our state and across the nation. It’s time to get involved and it’s much easier than you might think!

A few ideas to get you started:
* BE AWARE!  Realize that sexual violence is not just a big city problem. It’s here in our communities, every single day.
*BELIEVE! In rural areas, almost always the offender is a family member or person known to the victim. If a victim does speak out they are often times not believed by their family, friends, and community. They are often shamed into recanting their claims of abuse in order to keep peace in their family and in their communities. Many times they are told that “Joe Blow is a respected, upstanding community member. There is no way he could have done the things that you said he did.”
* TALK! Talk about sexual violence and then talk about it some more. Create a family environment that encourages open and real communication about sexual violence. Talk about internet safety. Talk about what to do if somebody tries to touch your child. Talk about rape. Talk about violence against women and children. Talk about pornography. Talk to your kids, your spouse, your neighbors, your community.
* SPEAK OUT! Make a commitment to no longer tolerate a society that supports a rape culture. Speak out against the person telling sexually offensive jokes in the office. Speak out against the guy that is whose hands always seem to wander, even though his behavior has been tolerated for years because “that’s just the way he is.” Speak out against persons that believe that a woman wearing a short skirt asks to be raped. Speak out against the “good old boys” that do not treat women as equals.
* SUPPORT! Offer your support by sharing your resources, time, and talents, whatever they may be. Lend a listening ear. Say a prayer. Make a financial contribution. Become an advocate. Raise awareness. Learn more about sexual violence. The possibilities to lend support are endless.

Imagine a Minnesota and a world free of sexual violence. It’s time...