SAAM Blog Week 2: Learn. Act. Change.

As an advocate who has worked with survivors of sexual and domestic violence for over a decade, I truly believe the only way to eradicate gender-based violence, is to Learn, Act and Change. It is EVERYONE’S responsibility to learn the dynamics and nuances surrounding sexual violence. To learn that the 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience some form of sexual violence. To learn that any person can experience or perpetrate sexual violence. To take the time to learn that oftentimes the harm doer is a person who the victim loves and has conflicting feelings on what justice mean for them. To learn that no one deserves to be sexually violated regardless of what they wear, had to drink, or does for a living.

Time to ACT! You can act by being an active bystander. Choosing what method works best, you can advocate for victims of sexual violence by doing something when you see something! You can act by advocating for legislation that protects funding and programming that provide services for victims and survivors of sexual assault. You can act by providing donations and volunteering for local programs that support victims and survivors.

CHANGE now! Change the narrative surrounding sexual violence and victim blaming. Change the narrative that perpetuates myths and lies that hinders victims and survivors from receiving the services needed. Advocate against processes that re-victimizes the person who has been harmed.

We lift up Sexual Assault Awareness in April. Let’s commit to learning, acting and changing every day of every month of every year to end sexual violence.

Written by LaTanya Foust, Culturally Specific Campus Technical Assistance Provider