April is Sexual Assault Awareness month and as in years past, IPR students took time out of their busy schedule to talk and learn more about how their choices can protect themselves and others from this kind of assault.
On Thursday, April 14, IPR students thought about making healthy choices and the importance of consent in a sexual relationship. Many students completed a Healthy Sexuality and Consent quiz which was then entered into a drawing for IPR Legacy Swag. Grant Anderson, Rafael Montecillo Jimenez, and Rayden Ross entered the drawing and won. Congratulations!
New this year was an emphasis on taking the initiative to CARE for others. This initiative is supported by Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). From the RAINN Website: “Everyone has a role to play in preventing sexual assault. There are many different ways that you can step in or make a difference if you see someone at risk. This approach to preventing sexual assault is referred to as ‘bystander intervention.’“
Remember a good friend knows how to CARE.
Create a distraction – interrupt the situation and give the person at risk a chance to get to a safe place.
Ask directly – talk directly to the person who might be in trouble and help them find their support.
Refer to an authority – ask a neutral party with authority to change the situation.
Enlist others to help – ask someone to come with you to approach the person at risk.
Remember, your actions can make a difference. If you suspect that someone you know has been sexually assaulted, there are steps you can take to support that person and show you care. To speak with someone who is trained to help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or chat online at online.rainn.org.
This information was provided by RAINN.
Written by Rebecca Buller