When you think of April, you think of Easter and the beginning of spring. For college students, it’s the season of “dartys” and formals. Kids are anxious to be showered in candy and gifts, while parents are planning spring break trips. It’s supposed to be a joyous time, right? Little do most people know, April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Autism Awareness Month. Maybe it’s just a coincidence, but to me it seems as if society has lump-summed every hard topic and slid them somewhere to go unnoticed. While everyone is basking in the post-winter glory, we’re hardly phased by the serious topics that she be the height of discussion.

What do sexual assault, child abuse, and autism all have in common? They’re topics that no one knows enough about, yet everyone pretends to be concerned for. Everyone seems to have strong opinions on all of these topics, it’s unacceptable to support rape and abuse, or to criticize someone with a disability. So then why is there a need for the awareness? If everyone agrees on how to handle these situations, they shouldn’t be such sore spots in humanity. But the stigmas exist. Rape culture is real. Sexual Assaults occur at alarming rates. Child abuse happens to innocent children that live in fear of their abusers. People living with ASD and their caretakers are criticized and isolated from communities.

Sexual assault, child abuse, and Autism Spectrum Disorder deserve awareness. It is unfair for the organizations that work to support these causes do so with minimal coverage. So do your part in helping the cause. This spring, while socializing and celebrating, do your part in spreading word about what this month really means. The greatest gift we can give is information; get informed then share the knowledge.

Below are a few resources to further the awareness.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

www.nsvrc.org/saam/sexual-assault-awareness-month

National Child Abuse Prevention Month

https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/

National Autism Awareness Month