SCDPH recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the SC Department of Public Health (DPH) is raising awareness about sexual violence and educating communities on how to prevent it.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a time to honor survivors, amplify prevention efforts and work toward a safer South Carolina, said DPH officials.
Through programs like the Sexual Violence Services Program, DPH collaborates with local rape crisis centers and community organizations to promote trauma-informed care and community-based sexual violence prevention services.
The Sexual Violence Services Program at DPH, in partnership with the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and South Carolina’s 15 rape crisis centers is committed to advancing primary prevention, said DPH.
“DPH is committed to supporting survivors and preventing sexual violence before it happens,” said Amanda Tucker, DPH Sexual Violence Services Program Coordinator.
According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds.
And nine out of every 10 victims of rape are female and most knew their offenders.
“Sexual assault affects us all. Not only must we all be committed to raising awareness and supporting those directly impacted, but we must take action to make sure it doesn’t happen in the first place,” continued Tucker.
In South Carolina, 3,536 new survivors of sexual assault sought services from a rape crisis center in 2022, according to the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.
Of those survivors, 1,499 were children under the age of 18.
South Carolinians are encouraged to help raise awareness during Sexual Assault Awareness Month by wearing teal, sharing resources and committing to ending sexual violence in all forms.
People can also show support by wearing denim on Denim Day, April 30, to show solidarity with survivors of sexual violence and take a stand against victim-blaming.
The following resources are available 24/7 to anyone who needs help:
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): www.rainn.org
- South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault https://www.sccadvasa.org/get-
help/
