The number one way to prevent sexual assault is education.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Washington state, and individuals, youth, communities, schools, and agencies are taking action to increase awareness about sexual violence.
The campaign’s message is “Be the Solution: No is never wrong. It’s your right.”
Locally, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services is hosting a “Be the Solution” 5k run/walk on Sunday, April 25 at the high school. It is also setting up a display at the Orcas Library, educating groups in the community, and coordinating training sessions with professionals on the island.
One out of every four girls and one out of every six boys will be sexually abused before the age of 18. A major survey conducted by the Washington State Office of Crime Victims Advocacy found that one-third of all women in Washington state have experienced some form of sexual assault.
According to DVSAS executive director Anita Castle, the most common form of sexual assault is acquaintance and date rape, not “stranger rape,” as many believe. It’s also the number one form of sexual assault among teens.
The mission of DVSAS is to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault through victim’s services, education, community awareness, and social change. The confidential, non-profit agency counsels an average of one new sexual assault victim per week (many of whom do not contact the police), but Castle says there are more she never hears about.
“Something happens every day that doesn’t get reported,” she said. “For both domestic violence and sexual assault.”
DVSAS is particularly interested in helping teens understand the ramifications of sexual coercion.
“One night can cause STDs, an unplanned pregnancy, or rape,” she said. “We’re human beings. We’re curious. It’s part of our emotional development as teens to take risks. But both males and females need to be informed about those risks, and take responsibility. This is where education is very important.”
By discovering and rethinking the ways that people can be a solution, the awareness campaign seeks to make a meaningful impact on sexual violence. Some prevention tips include avoid clouding judgement by using alcohol and drugs, trust your gut feelings, be alert for signs of disrespect of boundaries and limits, and ask yourself how sexual stereotypes affect your attitudes and actions toward men and women.
To sign up for the run/walk, call 376-5979 or email dvsas.prevention@gmail.com.
For more information on DVSAS, visit dvsassanjuans.org
DVSAS passes state accreditation
Every four years, DVSAS undergoes a review process for its sexual assault program, the same accreditation that Harborview Medical Center and Providence Hospital completes.
“We’re not a hospital, but we have an assault program we operate in conjunction with the police and local medical facilities,” Castle said.
The organization has always passed, but this is the first time it received a 100 percent approval rating. DVSAS had to meet specific standards for all of its services, which include counseling, crisis intervention, legal and medical advocacy, community education and prevention programs, a safe house, and family programs.
“They were so impressed with the staff and the programs,” Castle said. “It was a grueling process, but everybody had their part, especially Leslie Rae of Rae Project Management, LLC on Orcas (who donated a lot of her time).”
