Sexual Assault Is Never the Victim’s Fault April 5, 2022 April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the nurses at Sarah’s Place are spreading the word about prevention and providing education and resources. Victims are often blamed for sexual assault, harassment and abuse that happens to them. It’s important to reeducate society that sexual violence is always the responsibility of the person who chose to commit the crime. Sexual violence is about power and control and happens when someone makes the choice to not get consent from their victim. Someone’s outfit is not consent and a victim should never be blamed because of what they chose to wear. Being at a specific location or type of establishment is not an invitation to be sexually assaulted. Perpetrators of sexual violence often use their position of power and intimidation to get what they want. You can help curb the stigma by refraining from and interrupting oppressive jokes, comments and assumptions. Believe the survivor. Sarah’s Place, a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner center, is open 24/7 and provides immediate and free medical forensic care to anyone who has experienced unwanted sexual contact. They offer inclusive care for all genders, gender identities and sexual orientations. Sarah’s Place is unique in that they provide care in a healing environment that is separate from an emergency department. Sarah’s Place partners with Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence to provide survivors with safe options and support after an assault. Visit samhealth.org/SarahsPlace to learn more or seek help. Visit nsvrc.org/saam to learn more about Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
