Sexual Assault Awareness Month – Your Voice Has Power

Your Voice Has Power by David Salgado, J.D. Candidate, Class of 2022

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (“SAAM”) is an annual campaign observed in April which aims to raise awareness about sexual assault and to educate both communities and individuals on how to address and prevent sexual violence. Each year during this month, individuals and organizations take action to highlight the importance of speaking up on this issue and advocating for one another.

Through the years that SAAM has been observed, advocates, organizations, and survivors alike have made tremendous pushes for increased action to prevent sexual violence. Through these efforts, we have seen immense changes take place. One of the most prominent changes this advocacy has brought about is the creation and implementation of the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”). This was the first law that required law enforcement to treat gender violence as a crime rather than a private family matter. VAWA also aimed to increase legal protections for victims of domestic violence and sexual violence as well as expand services available to survivors and their children.

Thanks to the efforts of advocates, sexual violence is now at the forefront of people’s, institutions, and community’s attention. As a result of this, new ways to prevent sexual violence are constantly being implemented. Gonzaga also stands firm in their goal to take “all appropriate steps to eliminate sexual harassment, prevent its reoccurrence and address its effects within our educational programs and activities as well as in our community at large.” See Gonzaga University Title IX. This dedication to protecting students and providing resources for students to speak out against sexual violence is a welcome and needed tool for keeping everyone safe.

While many efforts have been and are continuing to be taken, there is still always more work to be done. The fact of the matter is that even with all the advocacy taking place, sexual violence continues to harm men and women alike. The statistics show that 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men are victims of sexual violence. On top of that, 67.5% of instances of sexual violence continue to go unreported. See National Sexual Violence Resource Center. This behavior cannot go unchallenged, we as students, teachers, family, and friends must stand up to sexual violence continue to fight and use our voice to take a stand. We cannot allow survivors of sexual violence to feel alone. Remember that your voice has power, use it to advocate for ending sexual violence.