April is sexual assault awareness, children abuse prevention month

Though sexual assault and child abuse happens every day, now is a particular time to remember those impacted by it.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month.
According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network), every 68 seconds someone in America is sexually assaulted. Furthermore, one in 10 children will experience some sort of abuse as a child.
Locally, in the last year the Southwest Crisis Center has worked with 54 individuals who have experienced sexual violence and/or child abuse.
Unfortunately we know that the incidences of such violence are much higher. Again, according to RAINN, more than two out of three sexual assaults are never reported.
As a community there are many ways we can become more informed and aware of how abuse impacts those we care about. In doing so, we can help survivors of all ages feel believed and supported without judgment.
I want to emphasize that it is not easy for victims to share. Sometimes it can take years, even decades, for someone to admit that abuse happened, process it, and have the courage to talk about it. When they do, I ask that the community supports and believe them, regardless of how long it took them to share their experience.
The prolonged effects of trauma are not something that goes away in one day. Healing is a process, and it affects each individual differently.
So how do we support healing in kids and adults who have experienced abuse?
First, we must acknowledge that the problem exists. We need to believe the person when they choose to tell and connect them with resources and help.
Please help us by being informed about this topic, addressing victim-shaming when you hear it, and refer individuals and families for resources and assistance.
The Southwest Crisis Center provides support, advocacy, and hope to individuals and families impacted by sexual violence, sexual exploitation and child abuse. Our vision is to end domestic and sexual violence, exploitation and abuse for all people. Until that time, you can find us online on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and at mnswcc.org or reach us at 507-283-9917.