HealthWatch: April 2008

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The term “sexual assault” is a broad category used by the U.S. Department of Justice to classify rape, attempted rape, and other violent felonies that fall short of rape.  Definitions vary by state, and sometimes include language about unwanted sexual overtures and contact, physical and non-physical. Threats, coercion or intimidation may also be classified as sexual assault.

Sexual violence is considered a public health problem.  The Department of Justice’s National Crime Victimization Survey reports there were 272,350 sexual assaults in 2006 (the most recent data available).  Below are local and national resources to assist survivors and encourage prevention. 

Local Resources

Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
Nord Center Rape Crisis Services (Lorain)

National Resources

Media Education Association
National Sexual Violence Resource Center
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
U.S. Department of Justice – Office on Violence Against Women