Reporting Sexual Assault

As an adult in the world it has come to my attention that some seemingly basic ideas like reporting sexual assault are not known to all of our young people.  So, here's the info if you or someone you know needs it.  Save the hotline number in your phone in the event of an emergency.  Hopefully, you will never need it.

1. It is a survivor’s right to report.  Reporting an assault may also help others that have been assaulted.  Reporting can also aid in one’s own recovery.

2. If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, call 911.

3. Safety first.  Are you in a safe place? If you do not feel safe, find a person you can trust so that you are not alone.

4. Do not blame yourself.  You did not want this to happen.  What happened to you is NOT okay.

5. You have options.  You can…

• Contact Local Law Enforcement

-OR-

• Visit a Local Hospital or Medical Center (these places will provide free exams)

-OR-

• Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1800-656-HOPE (4673)  If you call this number, you will be connected to a LOCAL provider in your area.  They will direct you from there.

DID YOU KNOW?

According the the National Sexual Violence and Resource Center...

• 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18.

• 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college.

• 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men are raped at some point in their lives.

  SEEK HELP IF YOU NEED IT. SUPPORT EACH OTHER.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

"You become what you believe." Oprah

If you are constantly bombarded with the same message you start to believe it.  Let's make the messages positive.  

We are frequently shown the "perfect" man or woman in the media.  We are told by the people around us to act a certain way.  We put insane expectations upon ourselves.  All of this can be overwhleming.  

When we talk to ourselves we need to remind ourselves that WE ARE ENOUGH.  We need to fuel ourselves and the people around us with positive messages to become our best selves.  We do not need to be perfect to be great.  And we shouldn't expect others to be perfect either. 

So, do yourself a favor.  Speak kindly to yourself and to the people around you.  Start believing in the goodness of yourself and of each other.