Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Understanding Consent and Taking Action
Content note: This post discusses sexual assault, rape culture, and trauma. Resources are provided at the end.
I'm Noemí Fernández, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in California, Colorado, and Texas. Sexual assault awareness and survivor advocacy have been central to my career and personal mission.
This topic holds a special place in my heart, having dedicated a significant portion of my career to providing therapy for survivors of sexual violence through a nonprofit crisis center. It wasn’t just a job; it was a personal commitment driven by a deep sense of justice. Witnessing firsthand the insidious impact of sexual trauma, I saw survivors burdened by shame, guilt, fear, and confusion, often struggling with self-blame and trust issues. Many of them faced victim-blaming attitudes when they chose to disclose their assaults to loved ones, which only exacerbated their pain.
Victim-blaming attitudes are insidious beliefs that unfairly assign blame or responsibility to survivors of sexual assault for the violence perpetrated against them. Instead of holding perpetrators accountable, victim-blaming shifts the focus onto the actions, appearance, or behavior of the survivor, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and minimizing the severity of the assault. This is a toxic patriarchal, misogynist mindset that contributes to a culture that normalizes and excuses sexual violence. Their stories, often involving trusted individuals, were heart-wrenching and revealed the pervasive nature of sexual violence.
After a number of years of taking a break from sexual assault related media, I decided to watch “Quiet on Set” and it reignited my passion for advocacy. While the #MeToo movement marked a significant cultural shift, we still have much ground to cover in combating rape culture. Though I’m unsure of my future advocacy path, I’m committed to standing up for survivors in my daily life, and I urge you to join me in this fight for change. Because everyone deserves to live a life with dignity, free from harm.
April’s Call to Action: Understanding Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)
April isn't just another month on the calendar, it's a time when we shine a spotlight on a critical issue: sexual assault. This month is known as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and it's all about raising awareness and support for survivors. SAAM is an annual reminder for everyone to talk openly about something that's often kept quiet. It's about breaking down the barriers that make it hard for people to speak up about their experiences and getting everyone involved in making our communities safer. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at why SAAM is important, where it came from, and key principles of consent.
The History and Impact of SAAM
SAAM was started by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, which is an organization committed to addressing and preventing sexual violence through education, research, and advocacy. SAAM was first observed in April 2001 and has since grown into a nationally recognized campaign aimed at raising awareness about sexual assault, supporting survivors, and promoting prevention efforts.
Denim Day, observed on the last Wednesday of April, is a powerful part of SAAM, challenging victim-blaming attitudes. It originated from a campaign by Peace Over Violence in 1999, which was sparked by an Italian Supreme Court decision overturning a rape conviction because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped the person who raped her remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. Wild, right? In response, people worldwide wear jeans on Denim Day to show solidarity with survivors and protest victim-blaming attitudes. This movement underscores the importance of challenging harmful misconceptions about sexual assault and advocating for justice and support for survivors.
SAAM is crucial because it serves as a powerful platform for raising awareness about sexual assault and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. It provides an opportunity to educate people about the prevalence of sexual violence, challenge harmful myths and stereotypes, and promote healthy relationships built on consent and respect. By shining a light on this often taboo subject, SAAM empowers survivors to speak out, seek support, and access resources for healing. Moreover, it encourages bystanders to intervene, advocates to push for policy changes, and society as a whole to work towards creating environments where sexual assault is not tolerated. Ultimately, SAAM plays a vital role in fostering empathy, understanding, and collective action to prevent sexual violence and support survivors on their journey towards justice and healing.
Understanding Consent
Consent education is a vital piece in our fight for justice. It empowers individuals to understand and respect boundaries in all interactions. So, what is consent?
Key Principles of Consent
Consent means that all parties involved freely agree to participate in a specific activity, whether it's sexual, physical or emotional.
Consent needs to be clear and enthusiastic! It can be expressed verbally or through body language and facial expressions.
Consent is not a one-time event; it's an ongoing process throughout any sexual encounter. It can be given or withdrawn at any point.
Consenting to one type of sexual activity does not imply consent to other activities or future encounters.
Consent cannot be assumed or implied. It's important to always respect someone's choice, and if there's any doubt, it's best practice to ask. This looks like checking-in and directly asking, “Is it okay if I do X? Does Y feel okay? Is there anything that’s off limits?”
Consent cannot be given by individuals who are underage, intoxicated or incapacitated by drugs or alcohol, asleep, or unconscious.
Marriage does not equal consent. Spousal or marital rape is real and is a crime. Consent is required in every sexual encounter, regardless of marital status.
Consent cannot be obtained through pressure, threats, manipulation, or any form of force. Coerced or forced sexual activity is not consensual and constitutes sexual assault or rape.
By learning and teaching consent, we’re taking action in preventing sexual assault and promoting support for survivors. We equip people with the tools to communicate clearly and effectively, recognize signs of discomfort, and navigate relationships with respect. Such education is vital for promoting healthy, consensual interactions and preventing instances of sexual violence or coercion. It lays the foundation for building trusting relationships where everyone's autonomy and well-being are valued and respected. To learn more about consent, visit RAINN’s Consent Resource.
Recognizing Signs Someone May Need Support
As a therapist who's worked extensively with survivors, I've learned that knowing how to respond when someone discloses sexual assault can make a profound difference in their healing journey. Many survivors never disclose what happened to them due to fear of not being believed or being blamed. If someone trusts you with their story, here's how you can support them:
When someone discloses sexual assault to you:
Believe them. Respond with phrases like "I believe you" or "Thank you for trusting me with this."
Listen without judgment. Let them share what they're comfortable sharing without pressing for details.
Avoid "why" questions. Don't ask why they were there, why they didn't leave, or why they didn't report. These questions can feel like blame.
Affirm it's not their fault. Directly say "This wasn't your fault" or "You didn't deserve this."
Respect their autonomy. Don't make decisions for them. Ask "What do you need right now?" or "How can I support you?"
Offer resources gently. Share crisis hotlines and professional support options without pressure.
Signs someone may be struggling after assault:
Withdrawal from relationships or activities they once enjoyed
Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or mood
Hypervigilance or being easily startled
Difficulty concentrating or seeming distant
Increased substance use as a coping mechanism
Avoiding places, people, or situations that remind them of the trauma
If you notice these signs in someone you care about, create a safe opening for them to talk if they choose. Sometimes simply saying "I've noticed you seem different lately. I'm here if you ever want to talk" can make all the difference.
Remember: Your role isn't to fix or investigate, it's to believe, support, and connect them with professional resources when they're ready.
Taking Action: How You Can Support Survivors
I encourage you to educate yourself more about sexual assault, dive into consent, share resources with your loved ones and on social media, and donate to the cause. You can also make a difference by being willing to have difficult conversations with those around you when you hear something inappropriate or violent. Intervening to challenge victim-blaming attitudes is an absolutely necessary component of prevention. We have to be willing to say and do the right thing. We must demand more ethics, kindness, and fairness in our interactions and society.
2024 marks 25 years of impact for Denim Day; wear jeans to show your support for survivors!
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If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, support is available:
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
RAINN Online Chat: rainn.org
Crisis Text Line: Text HOPE to 64673These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
National Sexual Violence Resource Center
