Nearly 1 in 5 women (18.3%) and 1 in 71 men (1.4%) in the United States have been raped at some time in their lives
The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey
April marks the 20th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Unfortunately, recent reports show an 8 percent increase in domestic violence reports during the pandemic. In March, the House of Representatives reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), a law originally passed in 1994 that protects and provides resources for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Reauthorization would continue funding for several existing programs — including legal aid for victims and programs aimed at preventing and reducing dating violence — while also expanding the protections the law offers.
As the bill awaits advancement in the Senate, now is the perfect opportunity to contact your Senators and share your opinion on the Violence Against Women Act’s reauthorization.
Ways to Advocate for Survivors
1.) AIT believes VAWA is an important piece of legislation that supports and protects survivors. We’re calling on our network to contact your Senators and share your view on the legislation.
2.) Join us in supporting The National Sexual Violence Resource Center 2021 ‘We Can Build’ campaign which focuses how each of us can build online spaces free of sexual harassment and abuse.
3.) Find and support your local survivor advocacy organizations through volunteer work or financial support. These important organizations work to support the needs of sexual assault survivors.
