Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an annual campaign to raise public awareness about sexual assault and to provide education and resources to support survivors and their families.
Voices for Women is sharing these important facts about sexual assault today to increase awareness in our community and encourage survivors to seek help.
Did you know?
• Sexual assault is the only violent crime in Canada not on a decline.
• Approximately 30% of all women aged 15 and older have been sexually assaulted outside of an intimate relationship at least once since age 15.
• Sexual assault offenders are often know to their victims. Friends, acquaintances, and neighbours represent 52% of offenders.
• The rate of sexual assault against Indigenous women is approximately three times higher than among non-Indigenous women.
• People who identify as homosexual or bisexual have a rate of sexual assault six times higher than those who identify as heterosexual.
• Most research suggests that 10 to 20 per cent of all males will experience some form of sexual abuse or sexual assault at some point in their lives.
If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to one of these services:
Voices for Women in Sudbury is a free, community based, service for women who have experienced sexual violence. You can find out more about their support and counselling services here- https://www.voicesforwomen.ca/
The Violence Intervention and Prevention Program (VIPP) at Health Sciences North provides support for victims experiencing violence. Services are offered to both males and females of all age groups and can be accessed through our Emergency Department at the Ramsey Lake Health Centre or by contacting the VIPP program directly. More information on these services is available here- https://hsnsudbury.ca/en/Services-and-Specialties/Newborn-Childrens-and-Womens-Care/VIPP-Program