APRIL is Sexual Assault Awareness Month: It's Time to Talk About Healthy Sexuality

Native News Network Staff in Native Health. Discussion »

WASHINGTON – The month of April has been designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the United States. The goal of Sexual Assault Awareness Month is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence.

One in three American Indian and Alaska Native women will be raped during her lifetime. American Indian and Alaska Native women are twice as likely to sexually assaulted compared with the general population.

This April, the 2012 Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign centers on promoting healthy sexuality to prevent sexual violence. Talking about healthy sexuality on Indian reservations, in urban Indian youth groups and even at home is encouraged.

"Healthy sexuality means having the knowledge and power to express sexuality in ways that enrich one's life. It includes approaching sexual interactions and relationships from a perspective that is consensual, respectful and informed. Healthy sexuality is free from coercion and violence."

According to material furnished by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.

Part of creating awareness about sexual assault is simply talking about it. While talking about sexuality is not always easy to do, it is encouraged to reduce sexual violence.

There are two discussions that should take place:

As the old adage goes, knowledge is power. The more information someone has about healthy sexuality, the more likely they are to identify sexual abuse or violence when it occurs.

posted April 2, 2012 6:00 am edt