The Times-Tribune
CORBIN — March is Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Kentucky and provides an opportunity to highlight year-round efforts to aid those affected by sexual violence and work to prevent future sexual assaults. Through local and state events and campaigns, Sexual Assault Awareness Month highlights sexual violence as a preventable problem.
You probably know someone who has been a victim of sexual assault. Maybe it is a family member, a friend, a coworker, a church member or a store clerk with whom you have made small talk. You might not know this about them; they might not ever tell you. We know that there is a sexual assault committed in the United States every two minutes. We also know that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys under the age of 18 have been the victim of sexual assault. Additionally, one in 6 women and one in 33 men will be victims of attempted or completed sexual assault at some point in their lives. Many believe that these crimes are committed by people who are strangers to the victims, when in fact two-thirds of sexual assaults are committed by people who are known to the victims.
When we think of the people who we care about, these numbers are too high. Sexual Assault Awareness Month focuses on educating both victims and the general public that sexual assault is a crime that has long-lasting emotional effects, physical effects, economical effects to both the victim and to society, and can be prevented with everyone’s involvement.
Cumberland River Rape Victim Services is the local rape crisis center and provides crisis counseling, individual counseling, family counseling, medical and legal advocacy, support groups, and education to schools and community groups.
We would like to thank the community for its support in assisting us with our education and prevention efforts. Further information can be gained through the national hotline at 800-656-HOPE or the regional center at 606-528-5286.
Cecelia White,
Cumberland River Rape Victim Services
