April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a nationally recognized time dedicated to raising awareness about and promoting prevention of sexual violence. During this month, Safe House for Women will join with people throughout the state and the nation to focus the public's attention on this important issue.

The U.S. Department of Justice reports that one in six women has been raped at some time in her life and one in 33 men has been raped at some point in his life. Of these assaults, at least 80 percent were committed by someone the victim knew, including a current or former intimate partner. In Missouri alone, more than 1,489 forcible rapes were reported to law enforcement in 2009.1 These statistics leave little doubt that most Americans know at least one sexual assault survivor. Yet, only about 20 percent of survivors report the violent crime of sexual assault to police.

"No one person can eliminate sexual violence on his or her own," said Linda Garner, Executive Director, Safe House for Women. "It takes a community of committed individuals to make a significant impact. Safe House for Women invites our community to join us this month, and year-round, in taking a stand against sexual violence."

For more information on Sexual Assault Awareness Month, contact Safe House for Women at 573-335-7745 between 8 am -- 4 pm. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, confidential help is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week at 573-651-1614 or 1-800-341-1830.

The mission of the Safe House for Women is to STOP domestic violence and HELP survivors of domestic abuse regain a sense of their strength, power, and future.

1. Missouri Uniform Crime Reporting Program Offense Report-Part 1 Crimes (2009). Missouri Uniform Crime Report Statistical Query, Missouri State Highway Patrol Statistical Analysis Center, www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/SAC/data_and_statistics_ucr.html.

2. Tjaden & Thoennes. Extent, nature, and consequences of rape victimization.