April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

There are a lot of worthy causes out there right now. I don't want to take away from any of them, because every one deserves our consideration.

But let me point out that sexual assault is something that affects every single one of us, whether we know it or not. One of of three women is sexually abused by the time she's a legal adult. One in three, people. I'm not saying they're all being raped - far from it. But does it make you feel better to think that one out of three of your female friends or loved ones has been sexually molested, been a victim of sexual harassment (yes, it happens in our public schools, too), or in some way sexually abused by the time she's 21?

And while the number of males who are sexually abused or assaulted is far lower, it still happens. There are sickos out there who will happily target boys, or who just don't care about the gender of their victims.

The physical damages heal rather quickly, but the emotional scars last for years. There are too many potentially serious consequences to list here.

But if you know three females, odds are that one of them either has or will be a victim. Ladies, if it's not two of your friends, is it you?

Please support activities that bring attention to this issue.

Walk A Mile In Her Shoes Marches - asks men to literally walk a mile in women's high-heeled shoes for pledges.

Denim Day - In 1999, the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction on the grounds that the victim was wearing jeans. They said that since it would be "impossible" to remove them if the victim was struggling, the victim must have assisted her attacker, which they felt implied consent.

These Hands Don't Hurt - mostly a student activity, where people sign a pledge that their hands will not hurt another person through sexual violence.

Teal Ribbon Campaign - if nothing else, this shows your support. It's not widely recognized, so when people ask it's a great way to introduce this very uncomfortable subject.

These are just a few of the activities you might see in your community this month.

IMPORTANT: For the entire month of April, Unchained is donating all profits to CASA, the Center Against Sexual Assault. We encourage other human service businesses to do the same.