The month of April really hits close to my heart because it's the month where I feel the least alone. It is the month where for one second I remember, "It was not my fault." Every other day, I try to forget that day, that hour, that minute that changed my life forever.
But in April, I think: what if it was never meant to break me, but rather to build me into something new?
April is sexual assault awareness month. To the world, April is a month to get educated on consent, raise awareness of sexual violence, and even advocate for prevention… But all of these missions do not have to stay within 30 days.
My assault did not happen in April, so why do we limit the conversation to one month?
What does this one month of awareness mean when there are cases that still occurs within the other 11 months? What is awareness of sexual assault if it gets ignored every day while individuals experience sexual violence? Bringing light to causes that affect some people you may never even know can change the world, but it all starts with listening and educating yourself.
I'm not asking anyone to be an expert on any context of sexual violence. But the more you know, the more likely you are to change a life or even cause someone like me to speak up.
The big point comes down to, don't just advocate for survivors in April.
Don't just attend a rally because it is the most popular event of the spring. And don't just join the conversation of sexual assault because you feel like your two cents are needed.
If you just happen to feel like the shoe fits as you read this, it is never too late to make yourself aware of the resources around you. It is never too late to support others around you or even find the support you have been looking for.
