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“She yelled and bellowed because despite her consent, he overpowered her and did not let
her move, she had no option but to keep still, just waiting for it to end.”
Sexual Assault, merely two words, but in practicality, it shatters the world of the victim to his or her very core. It is a barbaric and ghastly act in order to satisfy the perverted lust of the perpetrator. It not only infringes the bodily integrity and honour of the victim but also leaves the victim with irreparable trauma and despair.
Sexual Assault means any kind of sexual activity in the absence of consent and will. It includes any and every kind of uninvited, undesirable and unwanted sexual demeanour which makes a person apprehensive, uneasy, fearful or threatened. Since it is an umbrella term, it encompasses all forms of non-consensual penetrative and non-penetrative conduct of sexual nature. This atrocious act cannot be described in words since it obliterates the entire physical and mental state and well-being of the victim and pushes the victim into unfathomable and unending emotional as well as physical crisis, which can never be remotely understood or felt by any other person. Not only is it an absolute deprivation and violation of the victim’s privacy, dignity, freedom, trust and rights but it is also a physical, mental and social wrath, since the perpetrator on his volition ignores and disrespects the will and consent of the victim.
Unfortunately, whenever a woman is sexually assaulted, she is questioned on the kind of clothes she was wearing, her behaviour towards the perpetrator amongst many other inappropriate and immaterial questions. A message has to be spread among all of us in the society that it is never the victim’s fault for being sexually assaulted and the responsibility lies solely upon the perpetrator. It is also a myth that Sexual Assault is committed by strangers, but many a times, the perpetrator is a person whom the victim knows or is acquainted with. Further, it is a common perception that only women are at the receiving end of such an atrocious act. It is, hence, pertinent to change this mindset and make people aware that not only is sexual assault gender-neutral, it is also not based upon the victim’s age, ethnicity, etc. It is extremely significant that we end all such stigmas and provide maximum support to the victims who have been abused by the perpetrator.
On one hand, Sexual Assault satisfies the sexual pleasures, lust or perversions of the perpetrator and on the other hand, it destroys the victim’s confidence, trust, faith and belief in humanity. The vicious act of Sexual Assault leaves a profound and lingering scar on its victims. It tears apart victims mentally as well as physically. It is mind-boggling to even imagine the aftermath of being sexually assaulted and the path to justice is also excruciatingly difficult for the victim, since, even after being sexually assaulted it is the victim who has to substantiate that she was sexually assaulted in the first place. It is an endless internal and external struggle for the victim, as not only does the victim face indignities, but also has to overcome the infinite fears like whether anyone would believe her, the possibility of being attacked again, embarrassment and shame, whether the blame would pass onto her, whether there is enough evidence, whether she will get justice or not, etc.
Sexual Assault pertains to the mindset of the perpetrator which is why it is imperative to identify and address the root cause behind such mentality and conduct. Further, it is also significant to make each and everyone aware of the meaning and importance of consent and what amounts to consent and what does not amount to consent. The astounding data of sexual assault cases accentuates the need for awareness and prevention.
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month is observed for the entire month of April. This one month is exclusively dedicated to honour the sexual assault victims and to also provide immense love and support to the survivors. The main motive of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month is to raise awareness among masses for establishing a safer community so that no one else has to fight for one’s dignity and freedom. It aims for effecting deep social change round the globe and endeavours to educate the communities on how to prevent sexual assault. It intends to instil hope and positivity among survivors and create a healthy, safe, non-judgemental atmosphere for them. This way, it enables survivors to voice their opinions, share their stories and spread awareness about sexual assault and how one can prevent it. Towards this, events, campaigns, marches, etc. are effective mediums to spread awareness amongst people. Prevention of sexual assault campaign is oriented to pre-empt and minimise or end the assault and violence before it has a chance to happen. The same can be successfully achieved by changing social norms, values, and attitudes, which give birth to and encourage such an aggressive and revolting act.
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month is an initiative where people come together and raise their voices against sexual assault. The observance of this one month helps in providing support and motivation to the victims and survivors of sexual assault and it is an explicit way to tell them that they are not alone. While Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month has been followed longer than one can remember, Former U.S President Barack Obama officially proclaimed April as the Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. This initiative is being recognized and followed world-wide and many countries are encouraging and promoting the observance of this month.
This one month of April (every year) helps to remind everyone about importance of identifying sexual assault and taking the necessary measures in order to intervene and prevent sexual assault, thereby taking a step towards eradicating it. It is time for people to reflect and recognize the agony caused by sexual assault and to burst the bubble that they have been living in, by vowing to do their part in eliminating such an appalling and brutal act.