DARCC: Why We're Observing Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2023
Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.
Despite conventional myths and portrayals of sexual assault—that it only happens to a certain kind of person in a certain set of circumstances—researchers have shown that it is a direct outgrowth of rape culture, which treats sexual violence as normal and inevitable.
As a result, sexual assault is underreported and egregiously misunderstood. The stories of survivors that do not fit within a narrow band of cultural stereotypes are often minimized or discounted. Survivors themselves are stigmatized for seeking support.
Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault. However, because of the lack of public awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault, far too many survivors are suffering in silence. In the State of Texas, one study found that 2 in 5 women and 1 in 5 men have experienced some form of sexual assault in their lifetimes. That works out to approximately 33% of the State’s population.
These statistics about the prevalence of sexual assault in Texas are eye-opening. But to us, these aren’t just numbers. These are family members. Friends. And friends who are like family. These are our neighbors and colleagues and community members. What’s more, many of these individuals have not just been indirectly impacted by sexual violence, but are, without a doubt, survivors themselves.
At the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center, these survivors are us.
Their experiences directly shape the programs, services, and resources we provide to survivors of sexual assault. Their voices inform the crucial conversations we’re having with key stakeholders in our community about how we can work together to dispel harmful myths and prevent sexual violence from affecting the lives of more people in our community—our friends, our neighbors, our family.
So for all of us at DARCC, Sexual Assault Awareness Month is not just another set of dates on the calendar. It is a call to action. And this month, we are calling on all of our friends, allies, and community partners to help us raise awareness about sexual violence as a public health issue.
As the only trauma-informed, independent rape crisis center in Dallas County, the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center compassionately provides survivors of sexual assault with the resources they deserve to heal from the trauma. But more than that, no matter the need, DARCC provides survivors with wraparound support and advocacy on their journey toward healing—and the hope they need to thrive.
At DARCC, we are committed to the prevention of sexual violence in North Texas and compassionately serving those who have been impacted by it. We are the voice on the other end of the 24/7 hotline that says, “I believe you.” We are the organization that shows up, however we’re needed, because no one should have to heal from this traumatic experience alone.
Survivors are the heart of our mission. No matter who they are, or what their background may be, we are here for each and every survivor of sexual assault and we’re prepared to support them with whatever they might need. We serve everyone, because anyone can be a survivor of sexual violence.
Far too many survivors in our state are in search of, but unable to access, critical services like hospital accompaniment or legal advocacy or group therapy. Many survivors report barriers to seeking help because of concerns like missing work and paying for childcare arrangements. In fact, basic needs assistance—for items like food, clothing, and rent—was cited by approximately 40% of survivors in a recent survey as services they needed while in the beginning stages of processing their trauma. However, only 10% of the survey participants reported receiving this level of support.
Understanding the needs of survivors at all stages of healing is why DARCC is survivor-centric—and why we’re advocating for change. We envision a world free from sexual violence, and we’re challenging supporters like you to help us make that vision a reality.
This Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we are not only raising awareness about the issue of sexual violence in our community, we are creating more opportunities to ensure that these conversations are shaped by the voices of the survivors of sexual assault—because that is what survivor-centric advocacy is all about. That is how we inspire real, meaningful change in our communities. Because sexual violence is a community problem that demands a community response.
We hope you will join us at our 6th annual Community Breakfast on Friday, April 28, 2023, 8:30 - 10:30 AM.
Follow the link below for more details!
