This month is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Nearly 1 in 5 women (19%) and 1 in 59 men (nearly 2%) in the U.S. have been raped in their lives. Most first-time sexual assaults occur before age 18, making early intervention and prevention efforts critical—for women and men.

Sexual violence is a serious problem that can have lasting, harmful effects on victims and their family, friends, and communities. The goal of sexual violence prevention is simple—to stop it from happening in the first place. The solutions, however, are just as complex as the problem. For more information on effective and promising programs, click here.

Victims of sexual violence can find support and services from the Center for Safety and Change (formerly known as the Rockland Family Shelter), here in Rockland County, NY. Nationally, victims can get help and information from the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN).

Read More.