April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

By Rep. Shelley Moore Capito

April is dedicated as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month to raise awareness about sexual violence against women. Sexual assault, or rape, is a crime that happens when you are forced, threatened or manipulated into sexual contact against your will. Unfortunately, this type of assault is an epidemic affecting communities across the country.

Sexual assault is a community issue, a public health issue and a human rights issue. Unfortunately, sexual assault is also the most under-reported crime in the United States. In 2004, there were more than 1,202 sexual assault offenders reported to police in West Virginia, with the most common age for victims being 14. Nationally, one in four girls will be sexually assaulted before the age of 18.

These women are our mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and colleagues. They are rich and poor, young and old, and from cities and towns across West Virginia and around the world.

Rape is rape, no matter what the relationship is between the victim and perpetrator. To be safe in their communities, women first need to be safe in their homes. Three out of five sexual assaults occur in the victim's home or the home of an acquaintance. It is estimated that 88.5 percent of victims were related to or known by the offender whether as a friend, relative, acquaintance, or partner. Recent studies indicate that female teenagers who experienced dating violence are significantly more likely to engage in substance abuse, risky sexual behaviors and suicide.

Violence against women is a mens issue too. Men can play a crucial role in helping to stop sexual assault, and are already an integral part of the community that supports and interacts with women dealing with assault. They are the majority of the judges, police officers, and doctors who work with women in crisis. As part of the community, they can be part of the solution.

To end this assault against women, the issue needs to be addressed not only on the local level, but nationally as well. In Congress, I have made this issue a priority. Last year, I co-sponsored the Violence Against Women Act of 2005, legislation that would provide tremendous resources and lifesaving programs for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

No one asks or deserves to be raped. We must learn to recognize, prevent and educate others about sexual assault. By speaking out and lending a hand, our neighbors, friends, and family members can break the cycle and take a vocal stand against sexual assault. Together, we can stop violence against women.

http://capito.house.gov/press_office/detail-page.aspx?id=33&whichone=column