We are full swing into the month of April, which is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The goal of this month is to raise awareness and education on preventing sexual violence. Sexual violence is a serious public health problem and this problem, unfortunately, is on the rise.

Sexual violence affects millions of men and woman. In the United States, 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual violence and about 1 in 10 men. Most victims experience this before the age of 25. Sexual violence can happen to anyone and leads to many long-term physical and emotional health problems.

The 2017 campaign for SAAM is “Believe Survivors – Change the Culture”. So, the big question is, what can we do to change the culture around us?

· Build health and supportive relationships

· Speak up when you hear sometime harmful or hurtful

· Create supportive policies in the workplace and schools

If everyone does what they can do raise awareness and change the culture around us then we can make a difference! The smallest change and make the biggest difference! Together we can make a difference!

If you or someone you know has or is being abused - there is help.

National Sexual Assault Hotline – 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline – 1-866-331-9474

Nebraska Spanish Helpline – 1-877-215-0167

For more information on Sexual Violence and the campaign for Sexual Assault Awareness Month visit:

http://www.nsvrc.org/saam

https://www.cdc.gov/features/sexualviolence/

http://ndvsac.org/get-help/