This year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) theme is Building Connected Communities. As a survivor of sexual assault and polyvictimization, I am committed to helping break the silence surrounding traumatic experiences. That’s part of our work at Third Ear Conflict Resolution, even while our focus is on workplace disputes. Removing barriers and sharing resources can make a profound difference in our communities, regardless of the conflicts we wish to resolve. That’s why I participate in SAAM and support survivors in various ways year round.
This year’s SAAM theme is especially important to me, as my healing was delayed by:
- Fear of judgment
- Lack of support and resources
- Distrust of our judicial system
These real and perceived obstacles contributed to my repeat victimization, as I have frequently discussed with experts like Author Jan Yager, PhD and Podcasters Mysoline Monique and Phyllis Jenkins.
Silence is a breeding ground for sexual assault and violence.
When survivors feel unable to speak out due to fear of judgment or retaliation, perpetrators are emboldened to continue their abusive behavior. Without consequences for their misconduct, there is no reason for them to stop. This culture of silence not only harms survivors, but it can also contribute to more people becoming victims. Sexual assault is everyone’s problem to solve.
Awareness alone does not stop sexual assault.
Addressing sexual violence requires more than knowledge. It demands a concerted effort to:
- Break down silos
- Share resources
- Investigate reports fairly and impartially
- Take appropriate remedial action
- Help both victims and perpetrators heal
We can understand the causes of misconduct without condoning it. While holding people accountable for their harmful actions, we can still help them heal, too.
It’s time to stop competing for resources and work together.
Too often, organizations with similar missions waste time competing for grant money, volunteers, and the spotlight. Sometimes forgetting the goal of ending sexual assault, they focus too much on being the ones with the right answers. This year’s Building Connected Communities campaign for SAAM underscores the pivotal role of inclusive, equitable, and interconnected communities in preventing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. We need to work together to be successful in our mission(s).
Here’s what you can do this month and beyond it.
As licensed professionals and small business owners, you have a unique opportunity to contribute to the prevention of sexual violence in your communities. You are trusted advisors with tremendous influence. Here are three specific actions you can take now:
- Educate yourself. Take advantage of the extensive resources on websites such as the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), leaders of the annual SAAM campaigns. Learn about the signs of sexual violence, consent, and healthy relationships.
- Share what you learn with your loved ones and communities. Practice the difficult conversations at home, increasing your ability to listen with your third ear. Then, host workshops or training sessions at your workplace or within your professional network.
- Amplify survivor voices and connect them to resources for healing. Listen actively to survivors when they share about their lived experiences. Validate their experiences; do not challenge their perceptions. Offer support without judgment, encouraging them to use hotlines, counseling services, and advocacy organizations to work through the understandably complex issues they are facing.
Want legal review of your SAAM plan?
Creating Safe and Supportive Workplaces: Why SAAM Matters to Employers