Sexual violence is a serious public health problem that impacts hundreds of thousands of Americans each year. As a term, “sexual violence” encompasses many actions and behaviors that share one commonality: a lack of consent. Despite popular misconceptions, sexual violence affects people of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations. In fact, it’s estimated that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience physical sexual violence at least once in their lifetimes.
A Movement in the Making
For decades, survivors and advocates across the country have been organizing marches and events throughout the month of April to promote social change and educate the public about the realities of sexual assault and domestic violence. In 2000, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center and the Resource Sharing Project worked with various sexual violence coalitions to coordinate an official month of observance, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) as we know it was born.
Observing Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Each April, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center kicks off Sexual Assault Awareness Month by announcing a theme that encapsulates the organization’s mission statement. The theme for 2019 is “I Ask”, which “champions the message that asking for consent is a healthy, normal, and necessary party of everyday interactions.” To help promote this message, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center has created free PDF documents that explain the importance of consent and how to ask for it.
The purpose of the I Ask campaign is to:
- Raise visibility about sexual assault and how it can be prevented
- Teach the public about how to ask for and recognize consent
- Promote education about healthy sexuality, consent, and bystander interventions
- Start a dialogue about how people can stop sexual violence by changing their behaviors
- Instruct parents on how to model consent in youths and young adults
- Educate communities, workplaces, and college campuses about how to prevent sexual violence
- Empower survivors by sharing resources and support options
- Spread awareness about the health concerns associated with sexual violence
A single act of sexual violence can change a person’s life forever. At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, we have an intimate understanding of the physical, psychological, and financial challenges a survivor can face in the aftermath of an assault. For this reason, our trial-tested legal team is committed to helping survivors pursue restitution that facilitates their ongoing recovery process.
Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs is proud to support Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the efforts of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Please join us by lending your support in the following ways:
- Spread awareness through social media (#30DaysofSAAM)
- Share your personal story or experiences
- Participate in a community event
- Plan a SAAM event in your community
- Volunteer at an organization that supports survivors
- Donate to NSVRC or a similar organization
- Wear your teal ribbon!
- Help drive media interest
- Invite a speaker to your school, church, or workplace
Seek Legal Guidance & Representation
The Houston sexual assault attorneys at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs have been aggressively representing the rights and interests of sexual assault survivors since 1992. This means that we have a comprehensive understanding of the legal challenges and obstacles a person might face in the path to justice. During your confidential appointment, we can discuss your case and thoroughly explore your legal options. By investigating the incident and compiling evidence, we can develop a solid case strategy that holds the defendant accountable for their heinous actions.
Rely on 100 years of collective legal experience. Contact Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs at (713) 751-0025 to schedule a free consultation. We offer our services on a contingency fee basis.
