The untold consequences of sexual violence

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. It’s an annual opportunity to learn about sexual violence, how it damages our communities, and what we can each do to prevent it. At The Rowan Center, we are working hard every day of the year to help survivors and victims heal, advocate for them, and educate our communities. The demand for our services is only growing and we need your help.

Here’s what you can do to make a difference.

Understand what sexual violence is. Sexual violence is pervasive. In Connecticut, one in four women and one in nine men report being victims of sexual assault in their lifetimes. Sexual violence doesn’t discriminate. It affects every community, every gender, every ethnicity, and every socio-economic group. Though sexual violence can happen to anyone at any point in their lifetimes, it is most likely to happen to young people. Four in five female rape victims were under the age of 25 at the time of the assault, and in Connecticut, one in seven victims of childhood sexual assault are under the age of 7. Astoundingly, 14% of Connecticut residents report they experienced sexual assault as a child. That means that more than 500,000 people in our state are living with the consequences of childhood trauma from sexual violence. With all this violence in our communities, out of 1,000 sexual assaults, 975 perpetrators will walk free.

Understand how sexual violence damages our communities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “these forms of violence can lead to serious short- and long-term consequences, including physical injury, poor mental health, and chronic physical health problems.” Sexual abuse can lead to anxiety and depression, PTSD, relationship difficulties, insomnia, alcoholism and drug abuse, self-harm, and suicide. Young adults drop out of college or miss class. Our youth become disconnected. Their grades drop and social isolation can occur.

Regular employment can be challenging for victims and survivors. They may struggle with performance, have absences as a result of the assault, or be unable to work altogether. Victims and survivors may also have a difficult time with relationships.

There’s no expiration date on the consequences of trauma, and they can often become chronic. Untreated emotional trauma can cause emotional dysregulation, guilt, self-blame, and shame. Trauma can affect your belief in the future and create limited expectations, loss of hope, and anticipation that normal life events will occur.

Understand the risks in our communities. Social media and the digital world have created new dangers for our children. Locally, an increase in sex trafficking and sextortion has parents and educators concerned for the well-being of our children. Local headlines such as, “Stamford parents shaken in wake of sexual assault allegations against Strawberry Hill School teacher,” “Greenwich man accused of possessing child sexual abuse material,” and “Former Stamford teacher, Greenwich coach sentenced to 42 months in child sexual abuse photos case” are calls to action.

Sarah Eagan, who leads the Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate was quoted in CT Insider recently, saying, “Unfortunately, child sexual abuse is much more prevalent than it’s reported, and I think also much more prevalent than people realize or want to know, or want to grapple with.”

Take action. Educating yourself, your friends, and your family is the best way to keep our communities safe. If you are a parent, ask your child’s school whether they have organizations like The Rowan Center providing age-appropriate curriculum about healthy boundaries, consent, bystander awareness, and college preparedness. Reports show that 90% of childhood sexual assault victims know their abusers, so know the signs of grooming and listen to your kids if they express that they are uncomfortable around someone.

Ensure that if someone discloses sexual abuse to you, you know how to respond. Do not victim blame — remember that nobody deserves to be sexually assaulted, ever.

Support new legislation in Connecticut by contacting your local legislators. Bills such as HB 5161: An Act Concerning Child Sexual Abuse Material, HB 5399: An Act Concerning the Criminal Justice Response to Sexual Assault, and HB 5262: An Act Concerning A Sexual Abuse and Assault Survey will make a difference in this fight against sexual violence.

Finally, know that there are resources available at The Rowan Center for anyone in Greenwich, Darien, Stamford, Norwalk, New Canaan, Wilton, Westport, and Wilton who has suffered from sexual violence. You are not alone. Visit www.therowancenter.org to find more information. About The Rowan Center. The Rowan Center has been serving the eight towns of lower Fairfield County since 1979, providing free, 24-hour confidential support to those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone who has. The Rowan Center counsels victims and survivors as they process their experiences of sexual violence from the past, advocates for them as they navigate the circumstances of the present, and educates communities to prevent sexual violence in the future. If you need immediate assistance, support, or care, call The Rowan Center’s 24/7 confidential hotline at 203-329-2929 or text 888-999-5545 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.