Marking Sexual Assault Awareness month

Rape jokes, victim-blaming, sexual assault, child sexual abuse. It’s all been in the media this year, and with little talk of prevention.
Every April, AMHC Sexual Assault Services recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year a new campaign focuses on different types of sexual violence and prevention.    AMHC Sexual Assault Services is inviting the public to show its support for victims and survivors of Sexual Violence. A number of representatives from law enforcement will be on hand for the event showing support in raising awareness, helping victims and preventing sexual assaults. A community member has volunteered to sing a song “poem” they wrote and put to music just before we release the teal balloons.
The event was held Tuesday, April 2  (Day of Action) at noon at Riverside Park.
“Our goal with this campaign is to educate the community about the prevention of sexual violence,” says Lydia Christie, Program Coordinator at AMHC Sexual Assault Services. “Our campaign wanted to take the focus on sexual violence in the media within the last year and put a spin of prevention on it.”
It’s time. Prevent sexual violence at every age. is a new statewide campaign and it focuses on all types of sexual violence – from child sexual abuse, to sexual harassment, to rape jokes, to elder abuse. In partnership with other sexual assault support centers across the state, AMHC Sexual Assault Services will engage in year-long messaging with regard to healthy sexuality, talking to people about consent, and gender norms.
Sexual violence in Maine – and nationally – is prevalent and underreported. A study in 2011 found that approximately 13,000 Mainers will experience sexual assault or rape each year. Only 391 rapes and attempted rapes were reported to law enforcement in 2012. Rape is the most costly violent crime to crime victims, costing 127 billion dollars annually, excluding the cost of childhood sexual abuse.
“It’s not only about bringing awareness to the issue of sexual violence – we know it happens,” says Lydia Christie. “We are working with communities across Aroostook County in innovative ways to prevent sexual violence and support victims and survivors.”
To learn more about preventing sexual violence in Aroostook County, visit www.AMHC.org or contact Wendy Page at 764-3319.