Public Republic

Lauren Sophie Kearney

Photo: epSos.de

The purpose of the SAAM campaign is to increase awareness about sexual violence and to educate the public on how to prevent the matter.

Sexual assault is a critical issue that affects a high percentage of women and girls on a daily basis; most of them unaware they’re being assaulted.

How do you know if you are being assaulted? Any form of sexual activity that you do not feel comfortable with or agree to is classed as sexual assault. This can include: unwanted touching, sexual comments, inappropriate gestures, and rape. There are many forms of sexual assault but generally, as stated before, it is any unwanted sexual behavior.

Here are the shocking statistics:

• Every 2 minutes, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted
• Only 54% of sexual assaults are reported to the police
• 44% of victims are under the age of 18
• 2/3 of assaults are committed by an acquaintance

One may ask why the public know so little about this serious issue. It is happening daily and most women do not even know it.

That is what this month is about; educating the US about the importance of distinguishing sexual assault. We, as a community, must prevent this problem and support the victims who have to deal with the long-term emotional effects of sexual assault.

For some, these effects can be profound and the negative impact inflicted on them can affect them for the rest of their lives.

Girls for Gender Equity (GGE) are honoring the importance of this month by hosting an event that will feature living legend, Anita F. Hill, a professor of law and women’s studies.

GGE is a non-profit organization devoted to improving the physical, psychological and social development of girls and women. In supporting GGE, you are supporting all victims of sexual assault…

Support Girls for Gender Equity by joining them on June 14, 2012, 6-9pm at the Brooklyn Historical Society. GGE are hosting a cocktail reception to honor Anita Hill and to celebrate ten years of girls’ leadership. Want tickets? Get them here.

Don’t miss this special evening!