Did you know that the majority of sexual assault victims are under 30 years old? Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) also notes that people between ages 12 and 34 are at highest risk for rape and sexual assault. It's useful to have resources that can help if you or someone you know is dealing with sexual assault, so here are a few places to turn if you're looking for more information.
Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault - This is a great resource with all sorts of Colorado specific notes, from information about laws to local places to turn to for help.
What You Need to Know About Getting Help If You've Been Sexually Assaulted - This is a piece from Teen Vogue that has very specific details that might be useful if you are dealing with sexual assault. One of the things that is really informative is the way it explains exactly what you can expect if you choose certain options at a hospital or health care center.
Talking With An Advocate - Maybe you just want to talk about your specific experience or ask a question about something that happened. Love is Respect is an organization geared toward teens and young adults that offers chat, text and phone call options to communicate with an advocate who can listen to your concerns or questions, offer resources or help you make a plan. Their whole mission is to educate teens and empower them to prevent and end abusive relationships.
A Transgender Survivor's Guide, opens a new window - If you or someone you know is transgender, there can be unique challenges to finding compassionate and accurate assistance after an assault. This is a free resource with lots of details and stories that specifically speak to the transgender survivor.
Help for LGBTQIA Survivors - The Anti-Violence Project is an organization that empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence. They have a hotline you can reach out to with questions or if you or someone you know needs help.
Supporting a Teen After Sexual Assault - If you're a parent, caregiver, educator or other adult, this is a great resource. And if you're not an adult but you're somebody who is concerned about a friend or family member, this resource has lots of useful information.
This isn't a complete list of all the resources out there, but it can be a good place to start. The biggest thing to know about sexual assault is that it is never the victim's fault. Not ever. And that it can happen to anyone, regardless of gender identity, age or sexuality. If you're interested in reading more you can check out this list of books our library recommends on Sexual Assault Awareness.
Add a comment to: Resources for Sexual Assault Awareness