Please take a few moments to read this news story from Native Alliance Against Violence.
A woman’s eyes slowly scan a neatly stacked row of shoe boxes. She glances down and notices the scuffs and frayed laces on her own sneakers. These well-worn shoes symbolize the difficult journey she has made. Each movement forward has been an act of defiance against the trauma of sexual violence and toward a journey of healing.
This woman is one of the more than one in three (35%) of American Indian/Alaska Native women that have experienced rape during their lifetime1.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and we are asking our community to go “One Step Further” in helping to prevent and eradicate sexual violence. Going one step further embodies the idea that even if you have been involved in the movement to end sexual violence for minutes- or for years- you can still take your actions one step further to make positive changes in your community. To support survivors, you may:
- Demand accountability against sexual offenders, even if they are friends or family members.
- Encourage friends and family to educate themselves on prevention of sexual violence by learning about consent.
- Stand with survivors, making a public statement that you believe survivors of sexual assault.
- Revive tribal cultural norms and values to respect a woman’s right to autonomy over her body.
- Recognize, especially as Native men, language and attitude have the power to effect change in your community by creating respect for women and girls.
- Understand that sexual assault is not traditional to our culture.
- Support victims as they discuss trauma that is extremely difficult, private, and emotional.
- Create laws and policies to ensure support, justice and hope for victims and survivors of sexual assault in our sovereign nations.
We all start at different places when it comes to creating awareness around an issue like sexual assault. Some may already be an outspoken advocate for survivors, and others might be hearing that they can make a difference for the very first time. It’s important to know that everyone can make a difference in bringing awareness to sexual assault.
The woman mentioned previously in our story is just one of many of our relatives that have experienced the pain of sexual assault. However, this woman’s story stands apart from others; She had sisters who believed her when she spoke of the rape. She had support when went to the hospital, to law enforcement and to court. She also had an advocate to help her through the entire process. She lived in a community that upheld laws to protect women and children. Her community took their actions one step further to protect all victims of sexual assault. Our tribal community deserves to be safe and free from sexual assault.
Please contact our program if you would like to learn more about how you can join us in taking ‘one step further’.
HAVEN Advocates are here to help!
Please call our office or contact us on social media for support taking your next step.
