April 2006 is Sexual Assault Awareness Month in US

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Throughout the month, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages communities to promote healthy relationships and to increase awareness about the devastating impact of sexual violence.

Sexual violence affects persons at all stages of life. In 2003, approximately two out of 1,000 children in the United States were confirmed by child protective services as having been sexually assaulted (1). Many sexually abused children, however, are not identified by child protective services. In 2003, approximately 9% of high school students reported having been forced to have sexual intercourse (2). At least one in six women and one in 33 men in the United States have been victims of rape or attempted rape in their lifetime (3).

The consequences of sexual violence can be severe. Survivors can suffer short-term physical injuries, including genital tearing, bruises, and broken bones (4). Long-term health consequences can include sexually transmitted diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal problems, and chronic neck, back, and facial pain (5). In addition, survivors often face serious mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (4). Many survivors do not tell friends and family about the assault and consequently suffer the physical and psychological consequences alone (4). Those who do disclose their abuse might be stigmatized by their family, friends, and communities.

Communities are encouraged to plan activities in recognition of SAAM. A calendar of national, state, and local events is available at http://www.nsvrc.org. Information about sexual violence is available at http://www.cdc.gov/injury. SAAM materials are available from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 123 North Enola Drive, Enola, PA 17025; telephone 877-739-3895 and at http://www.nsvrc.org.

References cited in this article are available at the CDC site.

The figures reported by the CDC in paragraph two above are a complete disgrace. This problem of sexual assault is clearly out of control in America and is an abiding source of national -- indeed international -- shame. Take some time -- make some time -- this month to make a contribution of your effort to deal with this issue. If people don't face this and deal with it effectively it will only grow steadily worse. You or your loved ones may be among the next victims.