S.A.A.M Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The theme for 2025 is TogetherWe Act, United We Change
Sisters, talking about sexual assault is not easy. We quickly lose interest in stats and figures. We all know someone, or we are someone that has been sexually assaulted. This is not limited to rape.
- Harassment
- Unwanted contact/touching
- Exposing genitals or naked bodies without consent.
This is the one that got me. All those D#$k pics he kept sending after you said NO were sexual assault! There are many more examples.
Many women grew up believing this was normal behavior in the workplace, the bus stop, and the church (with the hidden tickle to your hand). We were demeaned and used. But Hallelujah! We woke up. We decided our bodies were our own. We agreed that NO really meant NO! We began to stand up and let it be known that behavior would not be accepted.
Here are a few facts:
- 53% have experienced sexual violence. 29% for men. Sexual assault happens to men, women, and children.
- 1 in 4 Black women. Do you know 4 women? 1 of them has experienced some form of sexual assault
I like being a part of the community. This year, we will be hosting our first in-person event. CYS will join the community in recognizing S.A.A.M month. I am so glad we can come together and expose sexual assault. It has been a ‘dirty little secret’ for far too long.
I hope you join me and others as we celebrate S.A.A.M. I know we can find a way to represent, whether it is wearing teal, joining a community group to advocate for survivors, starting a group at church, saving $2 a day, then sending a donation at the end of the month, OR sending a thank you card.
The most important thing is Do Not Be Silent. Love you sisters, and know you are stronger than this.
